Teachers as Curriculum

Leaders
ED 108

Start!
 Learning Objectives

1. Examine teacher’s roles and

responsibilities in curriculum
process;
2. Analyze the key roles of teachers

as leaders in curriculum
development;
 4 Key Roles of Teachers in the Curriculum 1
Process
Teachers hold the key to the curriculum process. Using a wide
variety of techniques, teachers encourage learning by delivering
content in creative and impactful ways. Whole-group instruction, 2
individualized attention, experiential education and using a global
lens, are methods that provide teachers with avenues for success in
the curriculum process.
3

4
 1. Active Learning 1

• Curriculum is content, but when contextualized, it comes alive for

students.
• The role of teachers in the curriculum process is to help students 2
develop an engaged relationship with the content.
• Active learning will increase the focus and retention of the curriculum,
resulting in an exciting learning environment.
• Teachers build lessons that include simulations, experiments, case 3
studies and activities to deliver curriculum.
• This interactive approach intertwines curriculum and practical
experiences that immerse students in learning.
• The curriculum process provides opportunity for teachers to be creative 4
and put their unique stamp on the classroom experience.
 2. Multiculturalism. 1

• During the curriculum process, teachers use a prescribed curriculum to

build lessons that have global impact.
• For example, teachers integrate examples of diverse people who have 2
made significant contributions in the content area.
• The intentionality of building inclusion helps dispel stereotypes and to
encourage students to look favorably upon diverse groups.
• If district-issued books or materials do not highlight historically 3
underrepresented groups, teachers can provide supplemental materials
during the curriculum process.
• Finally, the curriculum process enables teachers to consider how they
can best deliver lessons that will reach English Language Learners, or 4
other diverse populations.
 3. Equity Minded Instruction. 1

• Well-intended curriculum cannot always meet the needs of all learners

in the classroom.
• Teachers are the experts, when it comes to understanding the
2
individualized needs of each student.
• Differentiated or Adaptive instruction is critical so that it ensures that
each student will maximize their potential.
• Teachers may group students by interest to encourage collaborative
3
learning or to assess student progress so that the teacher can determine
the pace of curriculum delivery.
• Teachers may also create groups with varied levels of student
achievement to encourage collaborative learning and success. 4
• The curriculum process relies on teachers to modify content delivery,
as needed.
 4. Incorporating Student Choice 1

• During the curriculum process, teachers consider how they can

incorporate student choice into classroom learning.
• Teachers can help students connect content to an individualized plan 2
that reflects a career interest.
• Project-based learning is a dynamic option that teachers must plan in
advance, during the curriculum process.
• This hands-on technique immerses students in a practical project that 3
brings alive the classroom curriculum.
• Providing a wide variety of learning options speaks to the needs of all
students and optimizes learning potential.
• Teachers use the curriculum process to plan and coordinate student 4
choice options.
 The Importance of Teachers Involvement in Curriculum
Development

• Without doubt, the most important person in the curriculum

implementation process is the teacher.
• With their knowledge, experiences and competencies, teachers
are central to any curriculum development effort.
• Better teachers support better learning because they are most
knowledgeable about the practice of teaching and are responsible
for introducing the curriculum in the classroom.
• If another party has already developed the curriculum, the
teachers have to make an effort to know and understand it.
• So, teachers should be involved in curriculum development.
• For example, teacher’s opinions and ideas should be incorporated
into the curriculum for development.
 The Importance of Teachers Involvement in Curriculum
Development

• On the other hand, the curriculum development

team has to consider the teacher as part of the
environment that affects curriculum.
• Hence, teacher involvement is important for
successful and meaningful curriculum
development.
• Teachers being the implementers are part of the
last stage of the curriculum development
process.
 The Challenges Teachers Face in Curriculum Development

• The teachers’ involvement in the curriculum

development process is essential in meeting the
needs of society.
• The process of curriculum development requires
teachers to act and reflect on society's needs in
each stage of the development process.
• Nevertheless, sometimes this process which
teachers are requested to follow is unclear
 The Challenges Teachers Face in Curriculum Development

• As a result, there should be major advances in teacher

development in order for teachers to actively reflect on society's
needs in each stage of the curriculum development process.
• On the other hand, in any curriculum implementation process not
all teachers will have the chance to be involved in these
processes.
• Professional development of teachers is as an important factor
contributing to the success of curriculum development and
implementation.
• So, Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) should think about
what extent teacher education programs are needed for
prospective teachers to study curriculum development.
 M
Activity
Based on each key role of teachers in
T
curriculum process, according to your
major, create a video
vlog/infographics/graphic organizer to W
show how teachers exhibit being an active
in learning, manifest multiculturalism,
exhibit equity in instruction and T

incorporating students’ choice. Cite

examples based on your major.
F