Curriculum Mapping

Karen Dockery

EDIT 6320

All of the articles I read emphasized the difference between curriculum guides/lesson plans and curriculum maps. The curriculum maps actually show what is being taught, not what is suppose to be taught. They show major concepts, teaching methods, materials used, and types of evaluations. The more specific the information included, the more useful it will be to other teachers.

As a first grade teacher, I pretty well know what is being taught in other first grade classes, but not always how it is being taught, and I certainly am not very familiar with what is going on in other grades. If all teachers in the school (all grades), were able to see/compare/discuss content of other grades, then repetitions and gaps could be identified. This would definitely increase collaboration and communication among teachers, and better align the curriculum for all students. As a veteran teacher, I am always wishing I could observe more in other classrooms to learn new ways to teach what I am teaching. A good map could share new resources and ways to integrate technology that I may not have thought of. Also, I know this would be beneficial to beginning teachers as they struggle through their first year. Everyone tries to help by telling their ideas, but having this "snapshot" on paper would be a better resource for these new teachers.

A curriculum map would show media specialist where library instruction could be integrated, and allow them to be prepared ahead since all information is contained in "one big picture." The technology coordinator can use the map to see how technology is already being used and by looking at the teaching methods used, they can plan more ways to integrate technology.