I've been working with a few schools lately, unleashing and reigniting the passion in the curriculum by unpacking constructivist models of learning, such as; Play Based learning, Project-Based learning, Passion projects, Gamification, Student-based inquiry, STEAM, STEM, Makerspace and how this looks in our student-centred classrooms.
Our big challenge or wero: What is an authentic context for learning? Sounds pretty easy really... an authentic context is all around us - in the houses/communities we live in, the food we eat, to the vehicles we use, how they're made and powered, cultural contexts for daily/special rituals - the contexts for authentic learning are endless, but we don't always find this easy to teach in our classrooms.
Schools and kura are coming together to map the year ahead, some are doing this with the input of their students and the wider community. This resource from Grow Waitaha is an exemplary example of how NZ educators are so willing to share their mahi. I found the exercise of asking akonga their views on learning, in the student conversation toolkit very powerful and the facilitated strategies and support material very useful. There are also examples of authentic/collaborative learning from Grow Waitaha in their authentic curriculum kete.
On top of all of the wonderful school stories and resources already in NZC Online, there is a new Local curriculum package of support for 2019 rolling out soon (including in-depth workshops) for Schools and kura who want to focus on local curriculum – both design and review.
So where you do start? Concept? Problem? Learning area? Key Competencies? Are these based on local stories, historical moments, tipuna, global or the students themselves? Are these issues-based or curriculum driven? I'd really appreciate some ideas for how you or your colleagues brainstorm contexts for learning. Likewise if this is a wondering for you as well?
Schools and kura want to focus on local curriculum – both design and review. In recognition that a range of leadership, teacher, and kaiako capability already exists on local curriculum practice, the Ministry is responding to this feedback with a package of support on local curriculum in 2019 including workshops with teacher-release time, guidance, and tools.
Leading Local Curriculum Guide series has been developed to steer your curriculum and assessment review and design decisions as you strengthen your local curriculum. It will support you to use tools to assess progress that is informative, and strengthen the partnerships you have with parents and whānau. There are three guides:
There is also a tool for both Māori Medium and English Medium schools, Local Curriculum Design Tool or Rapua Te Ara Tika There is also a series of FREE workshops being hosted around the country to support you, Click on the city near you and you will get into the registration site.