Essential Driving Question
What design components need to be addressed when planning a grade 4 cross curricular unit incorporating the following pedagogy: Universal Design for Learning, STEAM and Professional Learning Networks?
Meeting the diverse needs of a grade four class requires extending beyond traditional classroom walls. Teacher strategies need to consider multiple means of engagement, representation, action and expression (CAST, 2014). To meet these learner needs, we will foster opportunities to explore and represent understandings through personalization and opportunities for growth. Integrating the arts in partnership with traditionally core subject outcomes allows for learning engagement, differentiation for human diversity (Glass, Meyer & Glass, 2013); critical student thinking; and expansion of Professional Learning Network to engage community mentors through creative arts organizations (Bowen, Greene & Kisida, 2014). Duma and Silverstein (2014) noted teachers working in arts integrated environments report a stronger sense of community, support and resources. These teachers are also more likely to take risks, be more innovative practice, and consider the learning environment through a more learner-centered approach, versus a teacher directed style.
contributing author: Alison Turner
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