Example of a Curriculum Barrier for a student

In the prior posts we spoke about what Curriculum Barriers are and how they can affect the teaching in the classroom. Below is an example of a completed Curriculum Barrier for a student through the tutorial found on CAST. First you pick a student, I choose Charlie.  Next you pick the curriculum; I decided to pick sixth grade science.  As the reader you are given the background on Charlie and also the background on the sixth grade science curriculum.  The idea is to review the case and determine what important information can be put into the Curriculum Barrier Template.  Below is the write up I did on Charlie. Please keep in mind this is only some of the material that was pulled from the case study, if you would like more detail you would have to go to the website, it can be found here Case Study.

Curriculum Barriers                                                

Grade: 6^th      Teacher:Mrs. B.   Subject:   Science     Standard: PA 3.1.6.A4  Recognize that all organisms are composed of cells.                         

Goal:    To know and understand the structure and the function of cells and organisms.

Materials and Methods	Student Qualities	Potential Barriers/Missed Opportunities
Informational materials include the science textbook	Charlie might not be able to sit and read the textbook.	Charlie might miss certain information if he is unable to sit and read the textbook.
Teaching method of whole class discussion	Charlie could be engaged in the whole class discussion, only until he became board-or he was excited about what they were discussing.	Whole class discussion could work for Charlie if the teacher were to keep an eye on him. He could easily become board and stop paying attention to the students words.
Teaching method of lecturing	Charlie may become bored and distracted during a class lecture.	Lecturing would not be the correct route in order to teach Charlie. He would become distracted by others in the classroom or objects in his desk.
Assessment includes a Chapter Check-up and a written Unit Test. Students' completed models of cells are evaluated by the teacher using a rubric.	Charlie might not finish the assignments he has been given because of lack of enthusiasm.	Charlie might not be able to keep up with the assessments. If he is unable to read and listen to discussion. He would work best by having a checklist and working with the teacher one on one.

As you can see you as the teacher/educator can include information on this template that is going to be important to you when you are planning your lessons. This will allow you to see major details that should be kept in mind for each and every student in your class.

Charlie has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to the classroom.His strengths include: he is energetic and likes to participate in classroom activities. He also likes to try new things unlike some of the other students in the class. Charlie can become easily engaged in activities that interest him and that will hold his attention.

Charlie's weaknesses are: he likes to jump out of his seat, when others are sitting. It can also be hard for Charlie to concentrate and pay attention. He can become easily distracted and become off tasks in the classroom.

Charlie would be a great candidate for one-on-one teaching/tutoring  and for also someone who would benefit from teacher/student conferences. This will allow the teacher to find out Charlie's interest. This way she/he can relate his interest into the classroom setting.

Knowing Charlie's strengths and weaknesses is a sign of a great teacher. This will allow you as the teacher to alter the lessons to cater to his needs. If you had one for all of the students in the class, you will be able to create lessons that are going to reach all of their needs.

I enjoyed working on this template and showing my work. I hope by reviewing the information, it can better assist you in the meaning of Curriculum Barriers!