Module 7

This course has been an eye opener for me. This is my first exposure to curriculum development. While it is fun, it was also very hard. I think it would have been a bit easier if we had an example on each assignment.
The hardest part for me was the literature review. I am not a very good writer and am still learning all the APA rules. I also have a hard time putting literature into my own words. I am committed to improving my skills in writing and know in time I will feel better about my writing.
While writing the objectives for my course were not hard, it was hard making sure that they were measureable. I think the lesson plans are the most fun. This is where you can show your creativity. I like to think outside the box and be as creative as possible. Given more time, I would probably come up with some really great plans.
I still think I have a long way to go in curriculum development. I look forward to more opportunities to work on these kinds of projects at the university level.
Overall, the project was exciting and fun, the book was easy to read and follow, and I really like this blogging thing. I think Dr. Watkins-Bailey is an excellent online instructor too!

Module 6

I watched the podcast Teaching Race: Engaged Scholarship Beyond the Classroom. I really enjoyed the speaker. She was easy to listen to and follow. She discussed confronting race and teaching race in the classroom. Race creates specific challenges in the classroom. Students get hurt feelings in class when discussing race. Cognitive and emotional feelings come out when deciding between color blind policies vs race conscious policies. Talking leads to a spiral in conversation so she gets the students out of the classroom. She took students on a service learning weekend trip to expose the students to what they discussed in the classroom. Talking sessions after a 8 hour work day opened the students up to deep discussions. The racial identity became less a factor when students were immersed in the scope of the work. They became advocates after all of the work.

Another of my favorite techniques for teaching was bringing back past alumni that have been successful and incorporating them into the curriculum.

It seems that there are so many ways to teach and creative ways outside the classroom. I wonder if the other universities are as open to outside teaching techniques as her university?

Module 5

I hope everyone got a chance to read Chapter 20 of the Diamond (2008) text discussing the needs of the adult learner. It really opened my eyes. I can honestly say that when I was an undergraduate and had an adult learner in my class, they got on my nerves. They were always asking the questions that would give us more work, or extend discussions, etc. Most of the college students aged 18-24 are looking for the easy way out whereas the adult learner was really there to learn.

It seems that Andragogy is well identified and the debate is whether to utilize andragogy techniques versus pedagogy techniques. This seems a hard question to answer. While traditional students (aged 18-24) are actually adults, they are still learning and have not had the experiences in life as adults may have. I think the prior experiences and the motivation for their higher education are the most important part of deciding the learning style. In my opinion, I would move more toward a andragogy style of teaching. This education style would be beneficial to all types of students. Younger students can learn from adult students and their experiences. Another aspect is that the younger students can help the adult students with the technological side of learning. Often, adult students may not have the technological expertise of the younger student. Making the learning experience beneficial for both is most important.

One article that I found (Forest III & Peterson, 2006), really made a powerful statement about andragogy. It discusses management education and that pedagogy is not applicable due to the fact that it does not encompass the needs of the adult learner. Pedagogy refers to reaching children and why would one teach children management? It has an excellent table that shows the Pedagogical Andragogical Learning Assumption. I would encourage everyone to view it.

This was a very interesting topic to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

References

Forrest III, S.P. & Peterson, T.O. (2006). It's called andragogy. Academy of Learning and Management Education. 5 (1): 113-122.

Sell, G.R. (2008). Meeting the needs of the adult learner. In R.M. Diamond (Eds.), Designing and assessing courses and curricula (pp. 257-270). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Module 4

I really enjoyed creating my diagram. It was difficult to find the right software to be able to complete the diagram though. I am not sure how it will turn out when added to my blog. Diagramming is an excellent resource and acts as an outline. It is better than an outline in the fact that it can tie certain parts of the curriculum together. I look forward to working more with diagramming.
I can't figure out how to upload my diagram. I will keep trying. Below is the information.
Important: All parents will have option to opt out of their child participating in this course. It will be important for them to note that all students must participate in the program starting in grade 6 to move onto the next grade level course. All units are age-appropriate.
UNITSUnit 1 - Human Sexuality will include: anatomy and physiology of male and female reproductive systemsUnit 2 - Risky Behaviors will include: Emotional, STD's, teen pregnancy, and contraceptives.Unit 3 - Relationships will include: friendships, understanding guys/girls, healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, preventing sexual abuse and date rape.Unit 4 - Self-Esteem will include: identifying and appreciating unique qualities, interests and skillsUnit 5 - Character Development will include: responsibility, self respect, courage, perserverance, compassion and respect.Unit 6 - Alcohol will include: dangers of alcohol and alcohol with sex.Unit 7 - Refusal Skills will include: setting boundaries, developing verbal skills and assertive skills.Unit 8 - Rewards will include: decision making, goal setting and achievement, and marriage planning.Unit 9 - Family Life will include: what is a family, different types of family, and responsibilities of family.

Belize trip

Hi all,
I am trying to raise money to go on the trip with Dr. Terrell this summer to Belize. I am offering lots of specials with my Mary Kay business. Let me know if you would like to be added to my email distribution list.
Thanks,
Shana

Module 3

My curriculum project will be a family life and sex education course offered to junior high school children that facilitates maximum learning for every student.
In a fiscally responsible manner, the class will commit the resources necessary to establish and maintain:
- A respectful, caring, and safe environment
- Research-based, student-focused instruction
- Information-driven decision making
- A focused and challenging curriculum
- Collaboration focused on improving student learning
- An active partnership with parents and the community
We believe that the purpose of family life and sex education is to help students acquire factual knowledge, attitudes and values that will result in behavior that contributes to the well‑being of the individual, the family and society.
Helping students attain a mature and responsible attitude toward human sexuality is a continuous task of every generation. Parents have the prime responsibility to assist their children in developing moral values. The schools should support and supplement parent's efforts in these areas by offering students factual information and opportunities to discuss concerns, issues and attitudes.
In addition to the customary policies and regulations concerning the approval of new curriculum content, units and materials, the requirements listed below will apply to any course(s) dealing with family life and sex education:
- Instructional materials to be used in family life/sex education will be available for review by the parent or guardian during school hours.
- If, after review of materials used and a conference with the instructor and principal, a parent requests that his/her child not participate in a given aspect of the course, an alternate educational assignment will be arranged for the student with the approval of the principal.
- Teachers who provide instruction in family life/sex education will have professional preparation in the subject area, either through pre-service or in-service education.

Module 2

I have not had much experience with curriculum development. I taught swimming lessons for the Red Cross during college and followed their curriculum according to the class level. I look forward to learning more.
I can see how easy it would be to get off track from your curriculum and will enjoy learning how to stay on schedule and focused.

Hello!

Hello all! I am looking forward to a wonderful semester. This is my very first blog. Yahoo!