Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/focusing-on-learning-not-teaching/5023816/
Using Outcome Statements vs. Lesson Planning Grids to Measure Children’s Learning
When planning an integrated curriculum that provides a wide variety of classroom activities for children, teachers often find a formal planning grid or chart helpful. Each square might correspond to a specific learning center, and the teachers list activities such as songs, finger plays, or art materials based on the topic or theme. While these planning forms may show parents and administrators what the teachers are planning to do each day, structured planning forms do not articulate the goals for learning.
As an alternative, we suggest that programs emphasize learning outcomes to provide clear statements of the measurable learning that will take place, while allowing teachers to focus on what is relevant and meaningful for children. Outcome statements articulate clearly and completely the learning and performance that students will demonstrate. This article describes the process required to move beyond a structured planning form to learning outcome statements that allow teachers to focus on what the children will learn rather than what the teachers will teach.
Let the Children Be Your Guides
As you begin to plan a thematic unit, challenge yourself to find topics that come directly from the children. ...