CCDET ALL STAFFFEBRUARY 7, 2014

ADAPTED FROM INFORMATION PRESENTED BY DR. CHARMAINE BRITTAIN, MSW, PH.D

NSDTA CONFERENCE OCTOBER 2012

Curriculum Writing

BASED UPON WORK BY:

JUDITH RYCUS AND RONALD HUGHES AT THE INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN SERVICES

Levels of Learning

Level I: Awareness

Provides a broad overview of the topicIntroduces the topic and provides basic

informationDetermines what the participants know

Learning objectives start with verbs such as: Recognize… Become aware that…

Level II: Knowledge

Provide comprehensive, factual informationTrainees master essential job informationPromotes linkages between the elements

Learning objectives start with verbs such as: Describe the… List… Explain…

Level III: Understanding

Trainees make connectionsRefines the participants’ conceptions of their

responsibilitiesShows how participants can implement new

knowledge and skill

Learning objectives connect knowledge to the job: Understands how ____ is applied to ____ Differentiates between ____ and ____ Knows how to ____

Level IV: Skill

Develops participant’s capacity to perform a task

Structures activities to provide practice

Learning objectives use verbs that show skill mastery: Demonstrates ____ Applies ____ to ____

LINKING COMPETENCIES TO LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Learning Objectives

Competency/Learning Objective Examples

Level I: Awareness Identify various driving situations Reflect on feelings related to various driving

situations

Level II: Knowledge Describe the process of driving a car Define various traffic signs Explain the ten most important rules of the road

Examples continued…

Level III: Understanding Differentiate between driving techniques when driving

in good weather versus bad Describe how to avoid accidents in various case

scenarios

Level IV: Skill Demonstrate how to park a car Demonstrate how to safely pass another vehicle Apply the 6 second rule

BERDIE, J., LEAKE, R. & PARRY, C. (2004). “A MODEL FOR SKILLS-BASED CLASSROOM TRAINING.”

PROTECTING CHILDREN 19 (3). P. 53-64

Training Skills

Five Step Process

Step 1: Explain (and discuss)Step 2: Demonstrate (and discuss)Step 3: PracticeStep 4: FeedbackStep 5: Discussion of Transfer Implications

Step 6 (Optional): Embedded Evaluation

Linking Levels of Learning to Activities

Learning Activities

Learning Level Definition Competency Language

Associated Learning Activities

1. Awareness Provides a brief overview and introduction

•Aware of•Recognize•Examine

•Lecture•Discussion•Quiz•Videos/DVD•Brainstorm Activity•Guided Imagery•Puzzles

2. Knowledge & Understanding

Provides comprehensive, factual information

•Know•Understand

•Lecture•Discussion•Debates•Storytelling•Mix/match cards

Continued…

Learning Level Definition Competency Language

Associated Learning Activities

3. Understanding

Link the knowledge to how it can be applied on the job.

•Know how to•Relates how to

•Case studies•Small group exercises•Demonstrations•Problem-solving

4. Skill Perform or actually experiencing a task or activity

•Practices•Able to•Demonstrates

•Demonstrations•Modeling•Experiential exercises•Role plays•Simulations

A SEVEN-STEP PROCESS

Steps for Developing Curriculum

Step 1

Write Competencies and learning objectives

What kind of training do you want?What is the learning level of the training?What kind of time do you have?Who is your audience?

Week 1

Step 2

Gather information.

Identify your SMEsCheck for previous trainings on topicFind related research articles

Week 2

Step 3

Develop a preliminary lesson plan.

Plan out time/length of each sectionEnsure each learning objective is coveredDefine the content and activities that relate

to each objectiveIdentify potential resources for each topic

Weeks 3-4

Step 4

Flesh out with content and activity instructions

Develop first draftPull in all resource materialDecide on format

Weeks 5-8

Step 5

Concurrently, develop handouts, PPT, etc.

Do this as curriculum is written

Weeks 5-8

Step 6

Review, review, review…yourself and other readers. Revise, revise, revise.

Send to internal reviewersIncorporate feedback and reviseSend to external reviewersIncorporate feedback and revise

Weeks 9-10

Step 7

Beautify curriculum.

Thank you!