My Curriculum

I believe that designing a curriculum for students my age takes some thinking outside of the box. This is due to the fact that students my age are typically seniors, and dealing with seniors can be tricky business. By the time a child reaches senior year, they have undergone a lot of changes, both mentally and physically, and for the most part, are comfortable in their own skin. So, by the time senior year comes along, the usually tricks and techniques used to keep them engaged and under control fall short. As a result, I feel this is a feat most teachers fall quite short in. The most significant proof of this is senioritis – it is most definitely a real thing, and unfortunately is alive and well and the plague of high schools all across the nation. I find myself afflicted as well, having to be constantly reminded to fight off senioritis as my final year of high school winds down. It is for this reason and this reason alone, that a curriculum made specifically for students my age must be carefully thought out.  Although all curriculums must include the basics (English, math, science and gym classes), I feel that it must go beyond that to include options made specifically to appeal to seniors.  In fact, the more options the better, because being able to choose from a wide selection of electives allows a senior to dictate the overall flavor of the curriculum. Students whose interests are more artistic would choose quite a different set of electives than, say, a science student. This would result in a senior being much more likely to be engaged and excited to go to school and take their last year seriously, instead of ‘checking out early’ so to speak.  Another important aspect of designing a great curriculum for students my age is using high-technology to the fullest. Incorporating modern technology in new ways, such as using game-like scenarios, not only teaches what is needed, but engages students in a fun and sophisticated way. I think this would keep me involved and from what I can see, the rest of the students in the class as well.  Although not exactly part of the curriculum, I believe that lunch periods play an important part also.  I know that this has been discussed, argued and turned down in our school, but if I were to design a curriculum, lunch period would be about forty five minutes because I feel that provides enough time to not feel rushed and gives students (especially seniors) a small amount of down time.  This down time goes a long way in regard to how hard students are able to concentrate and work for the remainder of the day.  Lastly, is the almighty homework assignments. I feel that homework is at an all time high during senior year, and this is something I would drastically change for my curriculum.  I believe that homework is a necessity and that it must be given, but at the same time the overall amount and the time it takes to accomplish is unacceptable. It should not take four or more hours to get all your homework done every night, especially since many seniors have extracurricular activities, such as varsity sports. Add to this the college-related tasks that need attention, and it becomes an unbearable load that cause many students to just throw in the towel.  Homework should be brief and to the point, given simply to gauge the students understanding and to determine if more practice is required or some are struggling on a concept. A heavy workload of homework every night would not be a part of my curriculum.