In a recent conversation at Kitchen Table Math, several ideas were mentioned for recognizing warning signs of a problem curriculum or teacher. This is my summary of that discussion.
If I spot any of these items in my child’s classroom, then I will worry that my child is receiving an unsatisfactory education.
Buzzwords
Use of terms like “inquiry-based”, “student-centered” or “interdisciplinary learning” – or any phrase that cannot be explained quickly using simple language.
Any use of the word “pedagogy” in regular conversation.
Curriculum Gaps
Absent or unsatisfactory coverage of key subject areas. This is subjective. Particular areas of concern: geography, history, English spelling and grammar.
Adoption of commercial textbooks with an unreasonable amount of online criticism. Again, subjective.
Projects
Assignment of project work where the students have not previously been given adequate instruction in the tools they need to do the work. For example:
- “create a Powerpoint presentation about Napoleon” (when the child has never been explicitly taught how to use Powerpoint)
- “research the causes of the Great Depression” (when the child has never been shown how to do library or online research)
- “prepare and deliver a group presentation about the hydrologic cycle” (when the students have never been given guidance in how to divide up work within a team, or in how to use props effectively or deliver a compelling presentation)
Gimmicks
Tasks that appear to be intended merely to be “fun”, without education value commensurate with the effort required, instead of just delivering work results as a written report or oral presentation. For example, “make a T-shirt”, “build a diorama”, “write a rock song”.
