Let’s face it, as teachers and curriculum designers we sometimes find ourselves having to deal with a lot of you-know-what. Containing the varying interests stinking up the place (including, but not limited to, administrators, parents, policy makers, our professional expectations of ourselves, and even students themselves) can be a challenge, at best. At worst, it is a blowout that leaves both a mess and a stench.
The real victims are not the people who must clean it up (us). The real victims are the students forced to suffer an ill fitted containment system. Their experience, while memorable, will not leave a positive impact. With a bit of consideration, we can do our best to ensure our curriculum (over the course of the year or years) catches everything.
In trying to do so, I developed the below list of six elements (DIAPER) as a type of checklist to hold my objectives up against:
- Differentiation
- Integration
- Assessment
- Poly-Literacy
- Engagement
- Reflection
While not yet complete, I’ve already found that by asking myself, “Have I included/considered . . . ?” I am able to create curriculum with a bigger picture perspective. Consequently I feel better able to think strategically about meeting the needs of students, best practices, and my own desire to feel I’m proving students with meaningful experiences.
What leaks have I missed? What would you add?
Six Degrees of Integration:
D.I.A.P.E.R. — It Contains Everything
Differentiation
- Multiple Intelligences
- Learning Styles
- Varying Interests
- Student Initiated Ideas
- Choices
Integration
- Subjects
- Concepts
- Themes
- Ideas
- Layers
Assessment
- Formative
- Summative
- Portfolio
- Performance
- Process
Poly-Literacy
- Media
- Information
- Technology
- Communication
- Symbolism
Engagement
- Communication
- Leadership
- Collaboration
- Brainstorm
- Action
Reflection
- Question
- Analyze
- Organize Thoughts
- Connect Ideas
- Construct Knowledge
- Celebrate
What would you add?
