Digital portfolio, part 6

How does the curriculum direct the development of studies?

Finland has the national core curriculum that is enact by The Finnish National Board of Education. The curricula set out the key objectives, content and policies of education, for example student assessment. Education providers and schools draw up their own local curricula based on the national curricula. (Opetushallitus.)

The curriculum is an essential tool for a teacher, since it includes guidelines for a teacher's work. One of the main tasks of the teacher training is to teach how to apply and develop the curriculum. (Vitikka et al. 2012.)

The curriculum gives a framework, which helps a teacher to plan the contents, methods, and activities of courses to reach the objectives set in the curriculum. On the other hand, a teacher can also participate in developing the curriculum of his/her school.

CURRICULUM PLANNING STEPS (Jordan et al. 2008, 31)

1. identify the need for the programme;

2. determine the aims and instructional objectives of the programme;

3. define the characteristics of the target group;

4. list the precise learning outcomes;

5. categorize learning outcomes according to Bloom’s taxonomies;

    - Bloom's concept of ‘mastery learning’ (1968) involves the statement of educational objectives and their translation into learner behaviours so as to generate criteria for assessment grades at various levels in the domain (Jordan et al. 2008, 29)

6. break the material down into small units;

7. carefully sequence these units;

8. provide frequent practice to strengthen the stimulus–response bond;

9. ensure that the learner responds (does things);

10. observe and assess any behavioural changes;

11. provide opportunities for frequent learner feedback;

12. reinforce ‘correct’ behaviour with immediate rewards;

13. evaluate the effectiveness of the programme;

14. modify and improve the programme.

Sources:

•     Jordan, A., Orison, C., Stack A. 2008. Approaches to Learning : A Guide for Teachers, Open University Press.    

•     Opetushallitus. http://www.oph.fi/english/curricula_and_qualifications    

•     Vitikka, E., Salminen, J: & Annevirta, T. 2012. OPETUSSUUNNITELMA OPETTAJANKOULUTUKSESSA. Opetussuunnitelman käsittely opettajankoulutusten opetussuunnitelmissa. Muistiot 2012:4. http://www.oph.fi/download/141692_Opetussuunnitelma_opettajankoulutuksessa.PDF