Taking CURR 341 was a really eye opening experience in a lot of ways. One of the most significant aspects of the class for me was the idea of Big Picture Learning. While I don't think that all aspects of this educational philosophy will work in a public school setting, I do think that some of them can be incorporated in a beneficial way. Namely the idea of authentic assessment and individualized learning. Authentic assessment is so vital to the success of our students, mainly because it provides them with different modes to express themselves and engage in their learning.
Having different ways to assess students assures that they won't feel as if their learning is leading to nowhere and help them to develop them a sense of purpose and accountability for the curriculum. Individualized learning is crucial to tailor curriculum to suit a student's learning needs and modalities. Whether it's having them perform in a play, create a poster or execute a PowerPoint, having varied methods for students to work is important to harbor their sense of creativity and making purposeful projects.
Having different ways to assess students assures that they won't feel as if their learning is leading to nowhere and help them to develop them a sense of purpose and accountability for the curriculum. Individualized learning is crucial to tailor curriculum to suit a student's learning needs and modalities. Whether it's having them perform in a play, create a poster or execute a PowerPoint, having varied methods for students to work is important to harbor their sense of creativity and making purposeful projects.