Thursday, February 19, 2009

Curriculum Framing Questions

My unit is a performance unit for the students. Prior to this they have learned the basics of several different styles of dance--jazz, ballet, and modern. Modern Dance is the last form we study. We learn that Modern dance is often performed to communicate an idea to its audience. Modern choreographers try to make audiences aware of situations, feelings, problems in society, or tell a story through their dances. In light of this, my students will brainstorm, research, and blog about a social issue they feel is relevant to teenagers. They will then choreograph a dance to communicate their ideas on the issue. These dances will be performed for an audience of teachers, parents and fellow students at the end of the semester.

The Essential Question is: What does it take to change the world?

The Unit Questions are:
  • How can choreographers and dancers bring about change within a culture?
  • How do artists make audiences aware of problems within society?
The Content Questions are:
  • What are the steps of the choreographic process?
  • Name a famous choreographer and describe his/her contributions to dance?
  • How does a dancer use the elements of dance to express complex ideas?
  • Identify a social ill in our society (what is a social ill? What is an example of a social ill found in our culture? What is an example of a common problem found amongst high school students?)
  • What is the importance of educating the public on issues that affect our society?
  • What are 10 facts you found on a social ill (common problem) while researching?
  • What steps are involved in preparing for a dance performance?
  • Who are all the people needed to carry out a dance performance and what do are their jobs?

...so far anyway...

6 comments:

  1. Mandy,
    I actually commented on your first blog. I appreciate dance very much but don't know anything about teaching it. You have some very good questions that I would enjoy researching if I were your student. I am curious as to what a social ill is and now I will have to see if I can find this out myself.
    Because I missed the class that covered the "essential question" I'm almost afraid to say anything but should your essential question incorporate the word dance in it? How can we change the world through dance? or What does it take to change the world through dancce?
    You are well on your way with a good unit! I enjoyed reading your questions.

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  2. Mandy, I apprecaite your Unit Question "bringing about change within the culture" .. would like to add that dance can certainly bring "intercultural" understanding as well ..
    Chee Lee

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  3. This is a really wonderful way to bring out each student's creative abilities, while at the same time teaching him/her to analyze what is happening in the world today. This type of project also reinforces the concept that he/she has a lot to contribute toward making this world a better place by bringing social ills to the attention of others so that they may be addressed. I believe this is a great project, and I really have no suggestions to improve it except perhaps to change the 2nd Content Question from a statement to an actual question. Again, I commend you on a great learning activity.

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  4. I know that your kids must appreciate that they are able to express tons of creativity in your class!! As a math teacher, I sometimes wish I could be a bit more creative myself!

    I thought that your unit questions were clear and to the point, but they still allow enough room to capture the kids’ interest in the subject. Also, the content question which challenges students to “use the elements of dance to express complex ideas” seems like a great way to engage students. This particular question seems to encourage higher-order thinking, while allowing the kids to express themselves.

    Just as a suggestion to go along with the final dance . . . perhaps your students could complete a reflective journal as they progress through the unit. You might also consider incorporating a portfolio or presentation into the unit as a summary of what was learned. It sounds like you are going to have some great final products! Good luck!

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  5. Thanks for your initial remarks; it is tough to work all day and then come in for class again. Some teachers prefer taking courses in the summer for that reason. I hope we are able to address some of your questions as we go through the course. The unit you are designing appears to try to wrap up all the major dance forms your students have been studying. Your questions appear to be appropriate for your unit. The essential question is designed to be a “big idea” question that can fit into many subject areas. It really is that broad.
    Thanks.

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  6. DMAN> DANCE MUST BE A REAL CHALLENGE TO TEACH. I TAKE MY HAT OFF TO YOU. YOUR QUESTIONS ARE MAKING STUDENTS THINK ABOUT DANCE AS A SOCIAL WAY OF LIFE INSTEAD OF JUST A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. MAYBE YOU ARE TRYING TO MANY OBJECTIVES FOR YOUR UNIT. FOCUS ON A FEW OBJECTIVES. THIS WILL GIVE KIDS A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT WHEN THEY MASTER THESE OBJECTIVES. GREAT JOB!

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