Topic: Involving Students in Curriculum

10-Second Review: What can be gained by involving students in developing and criticizing the curriculum?

Title: “Seven Ways to Involve Students in Curriculum Planning.” Bernarr Folta. English Journal (April 1974), 43-45. A publication of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

Summary: Teachers may shape the curriculum, but the curriculum will be better for knowing the needs and desires of the students—and their criticisms:

Example of student evaluation of an English program:
1. Students are not aware of the purpose for each assignment.

2. Students are not aware of the skills they are supposed to learn.

3. Students are not aware of the purpose for each unit and of the entire course.

4. The course on research is important and useful.

5. Course descriptions do not match the materials actually taught.

6. Have students sit down with teachers to decide on courses they should take in the future.

Comment: How involve students at the elementary level, particularly kindergarten through third grade? Arranging to have high school and even middle school students reflect on the curriculum will have a significant effect on the curriculum. RayS.

The purpose of this blog is to summarize articles on teaching English/language arts, from kindergarten through college, published in English education journals from the past.