Roadmap to success for FuturePrem

MAE RIM, Thailand - Sept. 17, 2013 - PRLog -- Prem teachers, along with teachers from Ruamrudee International School and Keerapat International School from Bangkok, participated in the event.

Curriculum Mapping – What is it?

Curriculum mapping is a procedure for reviewing the operational curriculum as it is entered into an electronic database at an education setting. The entries by teachers are not left alone.  Because the work is displayed via internet-based programs, it is open to view by all personnel in a school. This allows educators to view across grade levels K - 12 and all subjects what is being presented in order to be informed and to revise their work. The curriculum mapping model uses a series of steps to thoroughly examine and then revise their curriculum. Curriculum mapping requires a cultural shift in many schools. The curriculum needs to be perceived as a 'work-in-progress', a 'living and breathing' document, whose ultimate owners are students. Curriculum mapping is a 'process', not a one-time initiative. (¹) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curriculum_mapping)

Why focus on curriculum mapping?

Robert Marzano’s research indicates the school-level factor that has the greatest impact on student learning is a guaranteed and viable curriculum.

The workshops supported Prem’s initiative to map curriculum to enhance student achievement. This work will continue as teachers continue to work together to upgrade curriculum across grade levels. This is in support of a FuturePrem goal to integrate a whole school curriculum standards framework. The Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (http://www.mcrel.org) standards and benchmarks are being adapted and adopted at Prem and will be taught within the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework.

Dr Alcock is the president of Learning Systems Associates, based in the United States, and she serves as a national and international education consultant. In addition she is currently on the faculty of Walden University’s School of Education where she serves as a lead professor in curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.

She has spent the last twenty years working in public and private education as a teacher, administrator and public advocate. She is the founder of the TEN list, Tomorrow’s Education Network, which is a non-profit organisation dedicated to connecting the greater community with students in the classroom to improve student literacy.  Marie has been working with schools to improve student motivation and literacy skills through digital tools and gaming.

Dr Alcock’s work with staff was engaging. Comments from participants included, “It is always good to be inspired by a passionate, knowledgeable presenter,” and, “The workshop provided time to look at the big picture of what we are teaching.”

(1)         http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curriculum_mapping  (16 Sept 2013)