1 Chapter 1: Overview of Planning
- Purpose of Education
- Why do we teach?
- Planning: Why do we plan?
- Backwards Design
Before We Read
Before reading, spend some time thinking about the different decisions that teachers make every day as they plan their classes. The materials teachers choose, how they organize a class, what is emphasized or not, and what choices are offered to the students all shape the student experience. To be an engaged teacher, it is important to build reflective practices and make informed and deliberate instructional choices. Think about your favorite experiences in school. What choices did the educators make that contributed to your experience?
Questions for Consideration
As you read, consider these essential questions: What are the goals of education? How does the experience of the students impacted by what is written or missing in the curriculum? What hidden lessons are we teaching students? In what ways are we, as educators, shaping our schools and communities through our curricular and instructional choices?
The Purpose of Education
The purpose of education is a fundamental question that guides the design and implementation of educational programs. However, there is no single answer to the question of what the purpose of education is and what curriculum should be. In this chapter, we will explore three major categories of curriculum that reflect different emphases on the purpose of curriculum: the learner-centered curriculum, the society-centered curriculum, and the knowledge-centered curriculum.
As you read these next sections, think about your definition of education. While it is practical to categorize educational approaches, remember that these emphases are not mutually exclusive or incompatible. In practice, educators adopt a combination or balance of approaches.
Why Teach?
Why do teachers teach is a rather simple question. However, the question What is a teacher?, must be addressed first. Merriam-Webster’s definition of a teacher is “one whose occupation is to instruct” (Merriam-Webster, 2008, para. 1). While this definition showcases one aspect of being a teacher, teachers offer so much more to the class than just instructing students, they offer themselves. A better, more collective definition of a teacher is someone who “yearns to help children learn, watch them grow, and make a meaningful difference in the world” (Teacher Support Network, 2007, para. 2). This definition is most likely the main reason why individuals pursue teaching as a career. As a teacher, one can touch the hearts of the young and open their minds to tap their thirst for knowledge.
The Road Ahead
Becoming a teacher is a lengthy process. The process is different depending on the state. For example, in the State of Michigan, you will have to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree, as well as pass certification tests. In Florida, there are several pathways to becoming a certified teacher. However, most involve having a Bachelor’s Degree and passing a c