Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Curriculum from Coursera

The Foundations of Teaching for Learning programme is for anyone who is teaching, or who would like to teach, in any subject and any context - be it at school, at home or in the workplace. With dynamic lessons taught by established and respected professionals from across the Commonwealth, this eight course programme will see you develop and strengthen your skills in teaching, professionalism, assessment, and more. As you carry on through the programme, you will find yourself strengthening not only your skills, but your connection with colleagues across the globe. A professional development opportunity not to be missed.

Curriculum is a framework for guiding teaching and learning. This course provides an opportunity for you to consider the relationship between the teacher, the learner and the curriculum.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Getting to know the curriculum

This week introduces the course's emphasis on the relationship between the teacher and the curriculum. The sessions this week deal with three basic topics: the concept of curriculum, the teacher’s curriculum, and adapting to curriculum. These topics will help to broaden your understanding of curriculum and the ways in which it effects students’ experience.

Curriculum development

In this week we explore the fundamental issues of curriculum in greater depth, examining mechanisms that underpin the entire system of education in a country. The topics covered are: curriculum formulation, the need for curriculum, curriculum process, and administration of curriculum.

Putting students first

The focus of this week is learning before teaching – putting students first. You will learn about the three-way relationship of the teacher, the curriculum, and the students. As a teacher, you have to be able to contextualize a curriculum that has been made available to you. The curriculum is a general set of content and pedagogic strategies which have to be made real, relevant, and as contextualized as possible for each and every one of the students. The topics to be covered this week are: the three-way relationship, learning as student-specific, theories of student learning, and student-centered teaching.

Putting Curriculum to Work

This week we will bring together some important aspects of teaching and learning that were discussed in the previous weeks. The sessions cover issues of interpretation, designing learning activities, planning lessons, and bringing lessons to life.

Theories and Theorists

We will begin this week by briefly summarizing some philosophical insights into education which have hugely influenced curriculum. You can become a better teacher by learning about philosophical contributions to the practice of teaching. We present the idea of educational philosophy as a system of beliefs and values that affect thinking about education, how it may be conceived, and how it is engaged with by students and by teachers so as to produce desired outcomes.

Optimizing Curriculum Outcomes

In this final week we will focus on four main topics: amplifying the role of curriculum, communities of learning, self-check, and the final dialogue. We will look at Lee Shulman’s theoretical work ‘pedagogical content knowledge’ (or PCK). Additionally, we will at collaborative learning and take a look at a powerful developing idea - the professional learning community. You will also reassess your knowledge of curriculum through a discussion of six key questions. Finally, we will reflect on what you will take away from the course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a balanced overview of curriculum from conceptualization to implementation, making it suitable for both new and experienced educators

Led by renowned professors who are respected in their field, ensuring high-quality instruction and insights

Focuses on practical application, providing strategies and techniques that teachers can directly incorporate into their classrooms

Encourages active engagement with a global community of educators, fostering a collaborative learning environment

Reviews summary

"foundations of teaching for learning curriculum"

According to learners, the Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Curriculum course is well received by its students. This course has one review and receives an overall score of 5 out of 5 stars.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Curriculum with these activities:

Organize your notes, assignments, and quizzes

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Organize your notes, assignments, and quizzes so that you can easily find what you need when you need it. This will save you time and help you to stay on top of your studies.

Browse courses on Organization

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Gather all of your notes, assignments, and quizzes
Sort your materials into different categories
Create a system for organizing your materials
Review your materials regularly

Review Bloom's Taxonomy

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Review Bloom's Taxonomy by looking up its different levels of complexity and practice writing learning objectives centered around them.

Browse courses on Bloom's Taxonomy

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Read about Bloom's Taxonomy
Identify the different levels of complexity
Practice writing learning objectives at different levels

Read 'The Courage to Teach' by Parker Palmer

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This book explores the challenges and rewards of teaching and provides insights into how to become a more effective educator.

View A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward An... on Amazon

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Read the book
Reflect on the ideas in the book
Apply the ideas to your own teaching

Five other activities

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Review the history of curriculum development

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Review the history of curriculum development to better understand how it has evolved over time. This can help you to appreciate the different perspectives on curriculum and teaching.

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Read about the history of curriculum development
Identify the major milestones in the history of curriculum development
Analyze the different perspectives on curriculum and teaching

Discuss curriculum development with colleagues

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Meet with a group of colleagues to discuss curriculum development. This can help you to learn from others and get feedback on your own ideas.

Browse courses on Curriculum Development

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Find a group of colleagues to meet with
Choose a topic to discuss
Share your ideas and experiences
Listen to the ideas and experiences of others

Watch tutorials on curriculum development

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Search for and watch tutorials on curriculum development to understand the different approaches and best practices in designing and implementing effective curricula.

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Search for tutorials on curriculum development
Watch the tutorials and take notes
Apply what you've learned to your own teaching

Create a lesson plan

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Develop a lesson plan for a topic that you are teaching or plan to teach. This will help you to think through the learning objectives, activities, and assessments for your lesson.

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Choose a topic for your lesson plan
Identify the learning objectives for your lesson
Plan the activities for your lesson
Develop assessments for your lesson

Contribute to an open-source curriculum project

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Find an open-source curriculum project that you are interested in and contribute to it. This can help you to learn more about curriculum development and share your own knowledge with others.

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Find an open-source curriculum project to contribute to
Review the project's documentation
Identify an area where you can contribute
Make your contribution
Get feedback from the community

Career center

Learners who complete Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Curriculum will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Teacher

Teachers are responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing instruction. They work with students to help them learn and grow. This course would be highly beneficial for Teachers as it provides a deep dive into the principles and practices of teaching and learning, including curriculum development, assessment, and instructional strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers are responsible for designing and developing educational materials. They work with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure that the materials are effective and engaging. This course would be highly beneficial for Instructional Designers as it provides a deep dive into the principles and practices of instructional design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and implementing educational programs. They work with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure that the curriculum is aligned with state and national standards. This course would be highly beneficial for Curriculum Developers as it provides a deep dive into the principles and practices of curriculum development.

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Professor

Professors are responsible for teaching and conducting research at colleges and universities. They work with students to help them learn and grow. This course would be highly beneficial for Professors as it provides a deep dive into the principles and practices of teaching and learning, including curriculum development, assessment, and instructional strategies.

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Education Policy Analyst

Education Policy Analysts conduct research on education policy. They work with policymakers and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies that improve educational outcomes. This course may be useful for Education Policy Analysts as it provides a comprehensive overview of the foundations of teaching and learning, including curriculum development, assessment, and instructional strategies.

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School Counselor

School Counselors provide support to students with academic, social, and emotional needs. They work with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to create a positive learning environment. This course may be useful for School Counselors as it provides a comprehensive overview of the foundations of teaching and learning, including curriculum development, assessment, and instructional strategies.

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Principal

Principals are responsible for the overall administration of schools. They work with teachers, staff, and parents to create a positive learning environment. This course may be useful for Principals as it provides a comprehensive overview of the foundations of teaching and learning, including curriculum development, assessment, and instructional strategies.

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Superintendent

Superintendents are responsible for the overall administration of school districts. They work with principals, teachers, staff, and parents to create a positive learning environment. This course may be useful for Superintendents as it provides a comprehensive overview of the foundations of teaching and learning, including curriculum development, assessment, and instructional strategies.

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Instructional Coordinator

Instructional Coordinators are in charge of the day-to-day implementation and evaluation of educational programs. They work with administrators, teachers, and students to ensure that the curriculum is being delivered effectively. This course may be useful for Instructional Coordinators as it provides a comprehensive overview of the foundations of teaching and learning, including curriculum development, assessment, and instructional strategies.

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Education Advocate

Education Advocates work to ensure that all students have access to quality education. They work with policymakers, schools, and other stakeholders to create and implement policies that improve educational outcomes. This course may be useful for Education Advocates as it provides a comprehensive overview of the foundations of teaching and learning, including curriculum development, assessment, and instructional strategies.

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Learning Specialist

Learning Specialists provide support to students with learning disabilities. They work with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to develop and implement individualized learning plans. This course may be useful for Learning Specialists as it provides a comprehensive overview of the foundations of teaching and learning, including curriculum development, assessment, and instructional strategies.

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Education Writer

Education Writers write about education for a variety of audiences. They work with teachers, administrators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to share information about educational research and best practices. This course may be useful for Education Writers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the foundations of teaching and learning, including curriculum development, assessment, and instructional strategies.

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Education Consultant

Education Consultants provide guidance and support to schools and other educational organizations. They work with administrators, teachers, and parents to improve teaching and learning. This course may be useful for Education Consultants as it provides a comprehensive overview of the foundations of teaching and learning, including curriculum development, assessment, and instructional strategies.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit Program Managers oversee the implementation of educational programs. They work with staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the programs are effective and impactful. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Program Managers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the foundations of teaching and learning, including curriculum development, assessment, and instructional strategies.

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Educational Researcher

Educational Researchers conduct research on teaching and learning. They work with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to improve educational outcomes. This course may be useful for Educational Researchers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the foundations of teaching and learning, including curriculum development, assessment, and instructional strategies.

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