Layered Curriculum, developed by Dr. Kathie Nunley, is an instructional method based specifically on her work with neuroscience and how the adolescent brain functions. It is developed as a means to effectively meet the needs of the adolescent learner by taking into account how the brain processes information and reacts to various stimuli. One very important factor in this method is student choice. As I mentioned in Part 1 of this reflection, after a student's physical needs and novelty focus are addressed, a student's attention is focused on their self-made choices. As such, student choice is a "cornerstone" of the Layered Curriculum method and is built into all aspects.
Essentially, Layered Curriculum is a three-tiered instructional method that allows students to master learning outcomes by working through three levels of increasing complexity. Using the research behind Bloom's Taxonomy, three layers are created to scaffold student learning and implement a gradual release of responsibility which allows for students to be accountable for their own learning. In each layer, students would be presented with multiple activity choices in order to explore their learning in a way that interests them. The following is a brief overview of each layer:
LAYER C
- Bottom 2 layers of Bloom's Taxonomy
- Remembering
- Understanding
- Designed to help students grow dendrites
(branches)
- Might ask students to list, recall, describe,
write notes, etc
- Layer C introduces the basic knowledge, the foundation of
the unit, that will be built on in Layer B and Layer A
LAYER B- Middle layer of the tier
- Middle 2 layers of Bloom's Taxonomy
- Applying
- Analyzing
- Designed to help students connect to prior
knowledge and web their dendrites
(branches)
- Cross-curricular
- Might ask students to compare, discover, prove, etc
- Layer B often features something to "hook" students into
the exploration.
- Weird
- Novelty
- Gross
- Edible
LAYER C- Top layer of the tier
- Top 2 layers of Bloom's Taxonomy
- Evaluating
- Creating
- Designed to help students solidify learning and
connect neurons for mastery of the outcome
- Might ask students to debate, justify, evaluate
- Layer A brings in "real life" questions that allow
students to see the connection between what
they are learning and how they can use this
experience outside of the classroom
- Current events
DIFFERENTIATION
Due to the fact that Layered Curriculum builds in multiple student options, there is countless opportunities to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all of the students in the classroom. For example, when creating options teachers can specifically build in choices for students that address various multiple learning styles or multiple intelligences. Teachers can also account for various reading levels, ESL students, or any adapted/modified programming that is taking place in their classroom.
Layered Curriculum has students as active and accountable participants in their own learning process and, as such, will incorporate many conversations regarding outcomes and appropriate activity choices. It is during this time, that the teacher can help guide students to activity choices that best fit their needs. For example, if you have a student who is reading below grade level, you may guide them towards the options that best fit their situation. Over time, however, there should be a gradual release of responsibility as students learn how to determine what activities they want to chose in order to have a positive experience and be successful.
IMPLEMENTATION IN MY CLASSROOM
During this student teaching placement I feel like I have been incorporating more student choice than ever before and definitely see positive results from students being able to work on what interests them. What I like about the Layered Curriculum instructional method, however, is that it not only incorporates student choice but also builds in differentiation while centering on how a student's brain functions and processes information. One thing that I couldn't help focusing on, however is that Dr. Nunley hooked in each of the layers to it's appropriate letter grade (Only doing Layer C work could get a "C" in the course). To transfer this over to fit Manitoba's report card scheme Layer A would equal a 4 on the report card, Layer B would equal a 3, and Layer C would equal a 2. What do you do when you are trying to fit in a three-tiered approach into a four-tiered system? Personally, I would further subdivide Layer C so that I had a four-tiered system that looked something like this:
- Layer 1 (D)
- Remembering
- Layer 2 (C)
- Understanding
- Layer 3 (B)
- Applying
- Analyzing
- Layer 4 (A)
- Evaluating
- Creating
Here is an example I created for how this type of system might work in my classroom if I were to incorporate it right away:
Grade 11/12 Agriculture: Soils Unit
Students will understand soil texture and
analyze its affect on erosion.
|
|
Layers
|
Activity Choices
|
1
Layer
What information can I remember about
this topic?
(ex) List, recognize, recall
|
- List particle sizes from largest to
smallest
- Proportionally illustrate the four
particle
sizes
- Define appropriate vocabulary terms
(gravel, sand, silt, clay, porosity,
permeability,
etc)
|
2
Layer
What basic information do I know about
this topic?
(ex) Sort, explain, describe, give
examples
|
- Sort various soil samples by particle
size
- Read an article on erosion and answer
questions
regarding soil texture
- Create flashcards (word, text, picture,
example)
for various terms
- Create examples to illustrate each of
the
vocabulary
terms
|
3
Layer
How can I apply this information to
previous information?
(ex) Apply, compare, manipulate,
demonstrate
|
- In a lab, determine the affect sol
texture
has
on porosity and permeability
- Create an edible representation of each
type
of soil texture
- Interdisciplinary math project: look at
the
proportions
of sand, silt and clay in each
type
of soil texture
|
4
Layer
What debatable issues in the real word
deals with this topic?
(ex) Current events, debates, leadership
decisions.
|
- Debate, is the process of cultivation
worth
the
increased risk of erosion?
- Create a news article, should insurance
levels
be affected by property soil
textures?
- Debate, could the "Dust Bowl" happen again
considering modern farming practices?
|
As a student teacher who is still new to assessment practices, and our new Provincial Report Cards, this PD session left me with a lot to think about. Overall I am very excited about the instructional aspect of Layered Curriculum and love how easy it is to differentiate and give students the choice that they need. On the assessment side, however, I would want to look more into how to best assess and make sure that student understanding is appropriately reflected in our new report card system.
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My reflections are only a small amount of information compared to what was covered in the session. To learn more about Dr. Kathie Nunley, and her work with brain research and education, please explore the following links:- Brain-based Learning, Ideas & Materials
- Dr. Kathie Nunley's Layered Curriculum Website for Educators
- Brainsorg YouTube Channel
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Thank you to Dr. Kathie Nunley for visiting us in rural Manitoba, I am definitely inspired to think differently about my classroom instruction!
Thank you to the admin and staff in "T-Division" who set up this great PD opportunity!
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