Since most K-12 learning now occurs in both face-to-face and virtual settings, some students do part of their homework and schoolwork online. To keep up with students’ digital literacy, educators must consider both group dynamics and individual needs for overall student success.
According to the National Education Association (NEA), by using current curriculum trends to enhance student learning, educators can incorporate smartphones, tailor learning to a student’s individual needs, actively engage in projects, use game elements to captivate students and use settings outside the classroom (virtual or otherwise) to make learning interactive.
The online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction program from The University of New Orleans (UNO) can give you the skills to transform your classroom and enhance student achievement.
Curriculum Trends to Strengthen Student Outcomes
The educational landscape continues to change at a rapid pace. Educators can prepare to teach in-person or online classes by keeping up with current trends in curriculum and instruction. Personalized learning and self-care are important to keep students and teachers on track, no matter what the future of education looks like.
Here are five curriculum trends that can enhance learning and improve student outcomes:
- Project-based learning. Students learn by participating in projects that examine real-world problems. Project-based learning requires more than simply memorizing and regurgitating facts. To solve a problem or address a complex question, students need to work on the project for an extended period. Since the project is the lesson, students develop critical-thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills while aiming to produce high-quality work with their classmates.
- Personalized learning. Since children learn at different paces and in different ways, students involved in personalized learning work with their teachers to set goals and base their learning on their existing knowledge and skills. With this learning method, teachers can incorporate accommodations and accessible learning strategies to encourage student engagement.
- Mobile learning. NEA notes that incorporating smartphones and tablets into the learning experience constitutes mobile learning. Students can learn anytime and anywhere by using apps and online educational sites. Using mobile technology can help students create, look up definitions, keep updated on current events, collaborate and share.
- The idea behind gamification is that students learn more when having fun. Gamification in education uses game-based elements to teach students new information. By using video game features — such as point scoring, progression through levels, competition and teamwork — students can be motivated and engaged to focus on learning. Instead of feeling discouraged by failure, students can be excited to try again in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Experiential learning. In this teaching method, students learn through firsthand experience. Immersing students in learning opportunities via field trips (in-person or virtual) and assigning activities to encourage them to learn outside the classroom allows them to develop skills and knowledge. By keeping students engaged in the learning process, this type of education can foster community involvement, critical-thinking skills and collaboration.
How an Advanced Education Degree Can Help
With various start dates and expedited online coursework, UNO’s M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program prepares students for careers as reading specialists, ESL teachers, teacher leaders or grade-level lead teachers. Its curriculum focuses on modern strategies for curriculum and instruction and current trends in the field that educators should know. Examples include the Contemporary Issues in General and Special Education course and the Curriculum and Instruction for Multicultural Education course.
UNO’s program helps students design and execute assessment plans that support student achievement, adapt strategies to meet student needs, establish student-centered learning environments, participate in leadership opportunities and apply methods to develop skills and knowledge in multiple content areas. With these abilities, educators can confidently adapt to future of curriculum and instruction trends.
Learn more about UNO’s online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program.