Impact on Student Learning
Curriculum Mapping can impact a student’s long term learning. According to Udelhofen & Jacobs (2005), states that curriculum should be based on the best interests and needs of students. However, far too often the curriculum is based on teacher choices and preferences. Placing students in the center of curriculum reform is a vital underpinning of curriculum mapping. Teachers must continually ask themselves if what they are choosing to teach is in the best interest of the students, and how it relates to and connects with what happens to students beyond the scope of the individual classroom. As every teacher analyzes the collective, authentic curriculum data from all teachers and uses this information as a vehicle for making positive, effective changes in the students’ learning environment, improved student learning will occur. Furthermore, sharing the maps with students informs them of their journey, sparks their curiosity, and increases their motivation.
In conclusion, this course has given me the opportunity to reflect on my teaching practice. It let me see where I once was in teaching to where I am now. Before attending graduate school at Kaplan University I had never heard of curriculum mapping. But now that I have learned about it, I will use it for years to come.