Educators are regularly faced with new initiatives that impact their teaching. Whether they are district policies or building-level procedures, curriculum change can leave educators feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. While these changes are often well-intentioned, they can disrupt the teacher’s classroom environment and require a significant time investment to develop new skills.
It is important to understand the different types of curriculum change. The two main types are reform and innovation. Reform is a rearrangement and restructuring of existing content while innovation involves the introduction of new content. Both can have an effect on the learning experience but there are differences in implementation and culture. Creating an atmosphere of freedom for teachers to experiment and tinker is vital for the success of reforms. However, the vast majority of curriculum change initiatives are driven by external expectations and funding which creates a limited space for innovative work.
The most effective way to implement a new curriculum is through a comprehensive implementation plan that includes training and support. Using the resources available, medical educators can provide both the Curriculum Review Committee and the faculty with the tools they need for successful curriculum change.
When implementing a new curriculum, it is important to balance fidelity to the new material with trusting experienced teachers to apply their expertise and knowledge of students. Teachers want a structure that provides them with the freedom to use their creativity and human-centered approach to student engagement in the classroom without having every aspect of their interactions scripted. Keeping the focus on the big picture will help to reduce the sense of overwhelmed. Choose a few critical elements of the new curriculum and get everyone on the same page before moving to the smaller details.