Beyond the Curriculum: The Real Impact of Innovative Teaching in the Classroom
As a seasoned educator, my journey to becoming a true teacher began with stepping beyond the strict confines of the prescribed curriculum. When I stopped viewing the curriculum as the only boundary for my teachings, I discovered a world of freedom and joy in empowering my students to explore and discover beyond their classroom walls. This article delves into the innovative approaches I adopted in my practice, encouraging both my students and colleagues to transcend conventional boundaries.
Freedom to Teach Beyond Boundaries
The joy and freedom of being a true teacher is when you let your students dictate the direction of your class discussions and activities. Not only do I teach within the prescribed curriculum, but I also explore related topics and questions that come up during our discussions. This innovative approach fosters a deeper understanding and curiosity among students.
Anticipating and Exploring Student Questions
One of my most memorable practices is teaching the answers to questions that arise during our curriculum discussions. I anticipate potential student questions and prepare accordingly. If I encounter a topic I am unsure about, I encourage the students to research and report back the following day. This not only enriches our lessons but also promotes a collaborative learning environment.
Examples of Expanding Curricular Boundaries
Why did France sell their claimed land in America? I addressed the Louisiana Purchase, explaining its historical significance and providing context for the transaction. Students were curious about the reasons behind the decision, and discussing these additional details helped them to better understand the broader historical context of the United States. What is a blood moon? Addressing this question encouraged students to explore astronomy and the science behind lunar eclipses. This helped to build their understanding of both the curriculum and their personal interests.Correcting Misinformation and Delving Deeper
Another important aspect of my teaching approach is to correct misinformation that other teachers might have imparted. For instance, there was a neighboring teacher who incorrectly taught the pronunciation of the word 'critique.' I immediately addressed the issue by explaining the pronunciation of the suffix '-ique' and the meaning of the word. This not only corrected the mistake but also enhanced the students' understanding of the English language.
Teaching What Others Missed
On occasion, I would teach students what their regular curriculum teachers might have missed. One such example is cursive writing. As a math and science teacher, I prioritized cursive because I believe it is a valuable skill. In my homeroom class, I would start early with cursive writing, ensuring that students had the opportunity to develop this important skill.
Encouraging Advanced Learning
My approach often included teaching advanced concepts and skills that would benefit students in the future. As a fifth-grade math teacher, I found that gifted students often skipped a grade, which put them at a disadvantage on the end-of-year math test. To address this, I secretly supplemented the curriculum with 6th-grade math content. When the district finally caught on, they realized the importance of providing advanced learning opportunities.
Student and Parent Testimonials
These innovative teaching practices have had a profound impact on both my students and their parents. Many former students have returned to thank me for sparking their love of learning, while parents have expressed gratitude for the additional knowledge and skills their children gained. This goes beyond the prescribed curriculum and reflects my commitment to nurturing well-rounded and curious learners.
As educators, we have the power to shape our students' future by embracing innovation and flexibility within the curriculum. By encouraging curiosity and exploration, we can inspire a new generation of thinkers and leaders.