CUR/506 - Theories and Best Practices of Curriculum and Instruction
Course Description
This course focuses on applying curricular theory to best practices in the 21st century classroom. Candidates explore the social and political foundations of curriculum and instruction and current research in this area. They analyze curriculum philosophy and planning as well as practical applications and innovations in curriculum design. Special attention is given to the use of technology in the development of effective learning environments and instruction in the 21st century classroom.
This graduate course is 6 weeks.
This course has a prerequisite. Please see details in the Prerequisite section below.
PLEASE NOTE:
Attendance and participation are mandatory in all university courses, and specific requirements may differ by course. If attendance requirements are not met, a student may be removed from the course. Please review the Course Attendance Policy in the Catalog for more information.
This course is not available for enrollment to residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and New York.
Course Objectives
Week 1
- Differentiate between the different definitions of curriculum.
- Investigate the differences between curriculum development and curriculum design.
- Examine curriculum trends and issues in the 21st century.
- Compare and contrast the different philosophical orientations to the different educational theories.
Week 2
- Identify the theories of learning and explain the contribution to classrooms and schools.
- Identify methods for nurturing intellectual competence through differentiated instruction.
- Analyze the relationship of social and emotional foundations on curriculum.
- Compare and contrast the social and developmental theories.
Week 3
- Compare and contrast elementary, middle, and secondary curriculum mapping systems and curriculum designs.
- Examine cross-curricular connections of curriculum design.
- Identify the purpose of aims, goals, and objectives with curriculum design and instructional delivery.
- Reflect on collaborative leadership in classroom curriculum development and use of an integrative design.
- Analyze systems of curriculum design that use data for instructional planning.
Week 4
- Investigate the standards movement and explain its impact on curriculum.
- Explain the role of politics in the standards-based curriculum.
- Identify the role of Common Core State Standards in curriculum design in the classroom.
- Explain the role of diversity in the development of curriculum.
- Identify major challenges in determining and selecting curricula content.
Week 5
- Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of technology use in the curriculum.
- Demonstrate the integration of technology in the curriculum.
- Evaluate instructional software and various other instructional technology tools.
Week 6
- Explain the nature and purpose of evaluation.
- Compare and contrast formative and summative evaluation.
- Evaluate emerging assessment systems under common core state standards.
- Identify method for evaluation of curriculum design and changing student needs.
Notes
During the checkout process you will be prompted to provide proof of the requirement(s). If you completed the prerequisite at another institution, be prepared to upload an official/unofficial transcript. If you have questions about meeting the prerequisite requirements for this course, please contact an enrollment representative.Prerequisites
This graduate level course requires proof of completion of a Bachelor's degree. Be prepared to provide documentation during the checkout process.
Disclaimers
The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.
Although our continuing education for teacher’s courses are accepted by some state agencies in the United States toward teacher certifications and endorsements, this may not be the case in all states or foreign jurisdictions. If you plan to use courses for certification or endorsement, please check with your own state agency and your school district for applicability. Continuing education for teachers’ courses is not eligible to apply to degree programs at University of Phoenix. These courses are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.
While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. More information about eligibility requirements, policies, and procedures can be found in the catalog or please check with a University Enrollment Representative.