Curriculum Development
Zohreh Karami; Maysam Karami
Abstract
IntroductionToday, one of the most important tasks of education is to strengthen the excellent functions of the mind and to develop the depth of knowledge of learners. Strengthening the higher mental functions and cognitive development of learners is achieved through cognitive engagement and complex ...
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IntroductionToday, one of the most important tasks of education is to strengthen the excellent functions of the mind and to develop the depth of knowledge of learners. Strengthening the higher mental functions and cognitive development of learners is achieved through cognitive engagement and complex thinking. Involvement of learners in exploratory activities, problem solving, etc. provides the ground for their cognitive development. Through the Norman Webb Knowledge Depth Model (DOK), teachers can enhance learners' cognitive complexity.MethodThis study aimed to present of curriculum model based on depth of knowledge to increase the level of cognitive complexity of learners. In this research, the method of document mining and categorical content analysis was used. The resources were studied and using the content analysis method, the main and secondary themes were identified, and finally, based on them, a curriculum model based on the depth of knowledge was presented. In order to validate, this model was provided to experts, and after announcing their opinions, the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) was calculated, the results showed that the model in terms of Specialists is acceptable.ResultsBased on the research findings in this model, four levels of recall and reproduction, skills and concepts, strategic thinking, and extended thinking, predicted and elements of objectives, method of action, activities and evaluation appropriate to each level, are introduced. In general, in the curriculum model based on the depth of knowledge, goals Included strengthening the skills of analysis, reasoning, judgment, decision-making, leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, flexible thinking, creative thinking and .... In-depth knowledge-based content tries to prepare the learner to face such situations in life by confronting them with complex and ambiguous situations. In-depth knowledge-based assessment is also in line with the curriculum, and the level of questions and activities is adjusted from low to high complexity.DiscussionIn the knowledge depth model, learners engage in exploratory and problem-solving activities and often acquire what they have learned through mental effort and activity. Involve students in activities such as interpreting, predicting, inferring, classifying, analyzing, reasoning, criticizing, inventing, designing and executing, participating, researching, combining, Self-monitoring, critique, production and presentation contribute to their cognitive development.
Zohreh Karami
Abstract
Introduction: Teachers in order to become a professional, must acquire the appropriate professional competencies and be constantly refining them. The teacher's professional competencies are divided into three sections: content knowledge, educational knowledge and technological knowledge. Narrative inquiry ...
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Introduction: Teachers in order to become a professional, must acquire the appropriate professional competencies and be constantly refining them. The teacher's professional competencies are divided into three sections: content knowledge, educational knowledge and technological knowledge. Narrative inquiry is one of the approaches to teacher professional development that is based on research, experience and thoughtful.Method: The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledges acquired by student-teachers through narrative inquiry based on the model of Kohler and Mishra. This research was conducted qualitatively using phenomenological method. Through purposive sampling, one group of student-teachers in the field of primary education of Shahid Bahonar Campus in Hamadan were selected as the research sample. The narrative inquiry curriculum for this group was conducted for one semester and at the end, their experiences were examined through semi-structured interviews. Also, narrative inquiry projects performed by students were analyzed and the necessary information was extracted from them. In order to analyze the data, was used of the thematic analysis method.Results: Findings showed in the field of content knowledge, student-teachers gained knowledge of concepts in textbooks through narrative inquiry and based on Kohler and Mishra model. In the field of educational knowledge, they acquired knowledge about the teacher and his / her educational duties, knowledge about teacher-centered research, knowledge about learning, knowledge about teaching, knowledge about evaluation, knowledge about educational equipment, knowledge about the physical structure of the school, and knowledge about school staff. In the field of educational content knowledge, they became familiar with the methods of teaching thematic courses, the stages of teaching courses, teaching-learning strategies of courses, learning activities, and teaching thematic courses with the help of the media. In the field of technological knowledge, they became acquainted with software and hardware knowledge, and in the field of technological pedagogical content knowledge, they became acquainted with the combination of new technologies in teaching thematic courses.Discussion:To explain the research findings, it can generally be stated that involving student-teachers in the developmental activities based on narrative inquiry is an interesting task which changes the roles of student-teachers from information receivers to the creators of curriculum and active knowledge makers. Through a research-centered approach, student-teachers can be involved in a type of learning which lets them think and ponder. Thinking and pondering results in perception and then action.
Curriculum Development
Mohammad Reza Yousefzadeh Chosary; Zohreh Karami
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was introducing threshold concepts and their status in disciplines, and then introducing these concepts as a new horizon for research in curriculum. Threshold concepts theory was initially introduced by Mayers & Land in 2003. This theory is endorsed by troublesome knowledge, ...
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The main purpose of this study was introducing threshold concepts and their status in disciplines, and then introducing these concepts as a new horizon for research in curriculum. Threshold concepts theory was initially introduced by Mayers & Land in 2003. This theory is endorsed by troublesome knowledge, variation and reconstructivist theories. Threshold concepts provide requirements for deep understanding of disciplinary knowledge. Without learning these concepts, learners will be unable to learn effectively. Mayers and Land have proposed different criteria for identifying threshold concepts, with the help of them, we can identify the concepts in curriculum. Threshold concepts are expected to help teachers to develop significant changes in curriculum. Research in threshold concepts was initially conducted in higher education. Since the learners’ previous experiences play an important role in studies around identifying threshold concepts, the phenomenological research method has been used in most of these studies. Also, to solve teaching and learning problems arisen from these concepts, instructors, teachers, and researchers are recommended to use methods such as action research and lesson study.
Yahya Maroofi; Zohreh Karami
Abstract
The aim of this research was obtaining the experiences of teachers who participated in the lesson study groups at schools. This research was conducted qualitatively using grounded theory method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and purposive sampling was continued until reaching ...
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The aim of this research was obtaining the experiences of teachers who participated in the lesson study groups at schools. This research was conducted qualitatively using grounded theory method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and purposive sampling was continued until reaching a saturation point. Analysis of the results showed that fron the wiewpoint of the teachers who participated in the research, lesson study could have contributed to their professional development in three areas of knowledge, skill, and attitude. Knowledge includes: content knowledge, teaching knowledge, and lesson study knowledge; skills include: thinking skills, teaching skills, and lesson study skills; and attitudes include: tendency to cooperate, tendency to negotiate, gaining inner satisfaction, and creating motivation and interest.Based on the results of this study suggest that teachers can employ lesson study for their professional development and solving teaching-learning problems, and the can participate actively in lesson study groups at schools. The results of this study suggest that teachers can employ lesson study for professional development and solving teaching-learning problems, and the can participate actively in lesson study groups at schools.
