CURRICULUM

    This one of my most important interests; and it is also one that I know the least about.  With thirteen years experience as an instructor in lower division biology courses, I'm still not sure what makes good curriculum. The only thing I do know is that if students learn, then it must be good curriculum. However, I have no idea how to tease out the "curriculum" part from part that is unique to that instructor based on "personality" and personal interaction with students. I believe any attempt to make that separation will probably not be successful. For that reason, I support the National Science Education Standards as they address the teaching of science and professional development of teachers before worrying about specific content. In the teaching of science, the process of science is critical for both majors and non majors, with content the means of providing experience with that process. Specific content can always be learned as needed; but, without understanding of the process, the content will be an assortment of factual (or conceptual) pieces without connection. I will add additional links as I have time.
     
     

The MERLOT Project--This is an ambitious project to identify by recommendation and peer review web sites of educational interest. It includes a section on sites supporting technology in education (MERLOT TWO). I highly recommend that you investigate this site.


 
 


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Last update July 28, 2008.
 

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