In the age of No Child Left Behind policies and its common core curriculum off-shoots, many educators have expressed feelings of oppression on their creativity and their ability to choose their own pedagogical style of teaching. In contrast, school administration, policymakers, and educational leaders have found that one of the most effective ways to ensure that all students are being taught the most important concepts in education is to create a common core curriculum.
The concept of a common core curriculum is nothing new. Many private schools have chosen this method of curriculum and instruction. Moreover, many schools with virtual learning programs also adhere to these types of curricula. For students, this type of consistency creates an environment in which students can engage in collaborative study with their classmates as well as their grade level peers. Further, instruction becomes more relevant to the content of the textbook which makes textbook companion sites and other related sites more useful to students.
A few reasons that a common core curriculum can be very beneficial to teachers and administration are:
It can create a system of checks and balances that also provides proof that schools are presenting students with the most essential concepts. Parents can more easily follow along with the lessons and activities of their child's class even if they change schools within the local school system. Lessons won't be taught in ways that may not coincide with the learning styles of some students. Collaborative teaching and profession development can take place on a more common ground
Some view the common core curriculum as a way to micro-manage educators. The feeling of micro-management can be inhibiting to the creativity and vision of the educator. As a result, the educator might become disengaged and feel disenfranchised in the teaching process. Just as our learning styles differ from one another, so do our teaching styles. Whether you're a certified teacher, parent, tutor, or a person teaching another person a concept; your teaching style and your student's learning style can greatly impact the teaching and learning experience. In most cases, it is better to deliver concepts from a more general standpoint. Relying on one's own learning style too much can cause problems for students with a learning style that may conflict with your own.
Balance is the most important aspect of teaching and learning when using common core curricula. Finding ways to be creative and maintain your individuality as an educator can be done in many ways. This can be done through interactivities/interactive activities that engage you as an educator but also gives the students the freedom to apply the principles of concepts being taught to their own vision.
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