Breaking Free from the Constraints of State Curriculums to Embrace Innovative Teaching
Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the minds of the future. However, a growing concern among educators is how state curriculums are constraining their ability to introduce innovative projects and programs that could significantly enhance the learning experience.
When given the opportunity to do an amazing STEAM residency with 2nd graders, the question shouldn’t be whether it’s precisely within the curriculum. Instead, it should be exciting that the students will have an opportunity to supplement their education, strengthen problem-solving skills, and practice innovative thinking.
State curriculums are designed to provide a standardized framework for education, ensuring that students across the state receive a similar level of knowledge and skills. While this intention is noble, the rigidity of these curriculums often stifles the creativity and adaptability of teachers. Educators find themselves restricted by predetermined topics and teaching methods, leaving little room for exploring new ways to engage students or adapt to meet their particular needs and interests.
Unfortunately, state curriculums, with their static nature, struggle to keep up with the rapid advancements in technology and society. This is further complicated by standardized testing, which has been tailored to assess students based on the outdated curricula.
One of the primary drawbacks of state curriculums is their disconnect from real-world applications. There are many outside programs available to schools that bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing students a better understanding of the concepts. However, the curriculum does not include these unique opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning that can make education truly come alive.
It’s essential to recognize the importance of state curriculums in providing a baseline for education. However, a balance must be struck between standardization and flexibility. The passion for teaching and the desire to inspire students can be dampened by the frustration of being unable to explore and experiment with teaching methods that could make a lasting impact. Teachers, education policymakers, and administrators need to collaborate to create a curriculum that allows for creativity, adaptability, and deeper understanding.
Many educators are already embracing this responsibility and deserve commendation for their efforts. They recognize that they and their students benefit greatly by supplementing the curriculum with additional educational experiences and are implementing those opportunities. Teachers lucky enough to have hosted a Brooklyn Robot Foundry residency for their students have been thrilled with the hands-on learning experiences in which their students partook. It gave those students so much more than could ever be tallied in a state curriculum, including a rekindled love of learning. Which in turn, reinspired the educator’s passion for teaching.
Interested in supplementing the curriculum at your school with dynamic STEAM programs? Brooklynrobotfoundry.com Interested in bringing Brooklyn Robot Foundry to your area, read more about franchising opportunities.