Need, Purpose, Rich Task

 “The key to good topic selection is to understand the ‘bigger picture’ within which that topic fits.”

 The Curriculum Framework outlines aspects of the ‘bigger picture’ which includes students interests and the principles of the CF (CF p. 17), in particular ‘Inclusivity’ and ‘Integration, Breath and Balance’. The principle of ‘Integration, Breath and Balance’ can link closely to school priorities as teachers assist students to see connections and relationships in their learning which results in the improving student achievement across all areas of the curriculum. The Principles of Teaching and Learning (CF pp34-35) also outline the need to recognise the importance of making learning experiences motivating, purposeful and challenging.

 Selection of topics should be linked with the needs of students. Recognition of this need comes from teachers encouraging discussion and sharing with the students of issues that are relevant and significant to the lives of the students.

 Teachers need to keep reflecting and asking themselves :

           “What is the Purpose?"  “Do the students understand the purpose?’‘

           “Why are we learning this ?”

WORKING WITH A TOPIC/THEME

When choosing a topic/theme consider the following questions:

¨      Why are we doing this topic/theme?  Is it because we traditionally ‘do’ this theme? What use is the topic to the children?

¨      Does the topic/theme relate to the children’s interests/needs?

¨      How can we find out the childrens’ needs/interests?

¨      How are we going to involve the children in their learning?  What are they going to do with the content they have been taught? Why are we teaching them the content? 

¨      What is the difference between us teaching the children and the children learning?

¨      Are we allowing the children to problem solve, make decisions, and make connections and  be challenged within the topic/theme?

¨      Are we promoting the principles of teaching and learning as outlined in the CF from pages 33-36?  How can we do this?

¨      What learning outcomes from the CF can we promote in the topic/theme?

(Murdoch and Hornsby 1997 p21)