This course focuses on the theories and principles of curriculum development in physics and their application in the science classroom and laboratory. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of relevant theories and practice, and critically reflect on curriculum development for the progression of skills and concepts, in the UAE context. This evaluative process will allow them to apply relevant principles and theories from current research to develop medium to long term physics learning pathways that foster progression in physics specific knowledge and skills. Students will also learn to critically self-evaluate their professional practice, knowledge and skills in terms of curriculum progression and development.
Week 1
Introduction to Course: Curriculum Progression and development Overview of models and trends in curriculum development Classroom-level curriculum development
Week 2
The science and physics curriculum: key concepts and big ideas.
Concepts that underpin the science and physics curriculum
Required Reading:
Recommended Reading:
Week 3
The physics curriculum: process skills and epistemic beliefs/nature of science
Skills and beliefs that underpin the science and physics curriculum
Required Reading:
Week 4
The physics curriculum: Progression pathways.
Conceptual and skill progression across the cycles.
Required reading:
Various curriculum documents for local and international curricula. Ministry of Education Science Curriculum
National curriculum in England: science programmes of study Next Generation Science Standards
Recommended reading:
Week 5
Classroom strategies for curriculum progression in physics
Physics Learning Made Visible – progression in learning
Assignment 1 due
Required Reading:
Recommended Reading:
Week 6
Classroom strategies for curriculum progression.
Step 1: Surface Learning
Required Reading:
Week 7
Classroom strategies for curriculum progression.
Step 2: Deep Learning
Required Reading:
Week 8
Classroom strategies for curriculum progression.
Step 3: Science Transfer
Required Reading:
Recommended Reading:
Week 9
Evaluating Curriculum Developments
Meeting the UAE standards
Required Reading:
Teacher Standards for the UAE: [here] UAE inspection framework: [here
Week10
Evaluating Curriculum Developments
Teacher reflection and student voice
Required Reading:
Week 11
Evaluating Curriculum Developments
Effect sizes and Impact
Required Reading: