Revisiting Big Ben for a Closer Look, Part 3

Here is a brief look at the pieces of the cog "Curriculum & Instruction as the Vehicle". Ponder these until the next blogs where I'll dive into each part more thoroughly.

Important

What we study:

1. is essential to the structure of the discipline
2. provides a roadmap toward expertise
3. is essential to building understanding
4. balances knowledge, understanding, and skill

Focused

1. What we do is aligned with the learning goals
2. What we do is designed to get us where we need to be
3. Teacher and students know why they're doing what they do
4. Mutual understanding that parts of their work contribute to a bigger picture

Engaging

Students:

1. usually find meaning in their work, think it's intriguing, find themselves absorbed in the work, and the work provokes their curiosity
2. see themselves and their world in their work
3. see value to others in the work

Demanding

1. The work is just beyond the students' reach
2. Growth is nonnegotiable
3. Standards are high
4. Students are guided to think and work like professionals
5. no "loose" time

Scaffolded

1. Teacher teaches for success
2. Criteria for success, classroom operation, and student behavior are clear to students
3. Varied materials, modes of teaching, and avenues to learning support a variety of learners
4. Varied peer support mechanisms are consistently available

Reference

Tomlinson, C. (2003). Fulfilling the promise of the differentiated classroom: Strategies and tools for responsive teaching. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.