SYNTHESIS PAPER ASSIGNMENT 2
Synthesis Paper Assignment
As an educator, curriculum development and leadership are fundamental educational
aspects that influence students' learning experiences. Parkay et al., (2014) provide an
understanding of curriculum development and leadership by focusing on three important
concepts that help shape student learning. This synthesis paper explains the concepts introduced
by Parkay and how each concept has increased my understanding and appreciation of curriculum
development and leadership. As an educator, adopting leadership qualities is important in and
outside the school (Harris et al., 2020).
Social Forces
Curriculum Development and Leadership
Parkay et al., (2014) highlight the importance of social forces by discussing the
influences cultural, economic, and technological factors have on curriculum development.
Parkay provides knowledge of the ten social forces that are important aspects of curriculum
leadership and what should be implemented when developing future school curricula. These ten
forces are “increasing ethnic and cultural diversity, the environment, changing values and
morality, family stress, technological revolution, changing world of work, equal rights, crime and
violence, lack of purpose and meaning, and global interdependence” (Parkay et al., 2014,
p.45-51). As an educator in a junior high school classroom, of these ten forces, cultural diversity
resonates the most with me.
Parkay et al., (2014) discuss the growth of diversity in the United States population. This
increase is shown in our nation’s schools. Ethnic and cultural diversity is an important factor
when developing a curriculum. Today our country has many diverse populated areas, indicating a
need for implementing curricula that reflect students' backgrounds. As an educator, I have
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learned that incorporating ethnic and cultural diversity provides students with a supportive and
inclusive curriculum. This implementation allows my students to feel represented and valued in
the classroom, which fosters an engaging learning environment.
Understanding and Appreciation
The knowledge received from learning about social forces provided an understanding of
the significance of integrating cultural diversity into the curriculum. By acknowledging students'
cultural differences, I can implement effective teaching strategies that allow students to engage
and relate to the curriculum. This approach can enhance my teaching by increasing student
representation, promoting cultural respect for one another, and correlating their learning with
real-world situations. Parkay et al., (2014) explain that students need an engaging and effective
curriculum to help them make correct choices in our society.
Application in Work Environment
I can implement my understanding by promoting a culturally responsive curriculum in
my teaching career. This involves building relationships with my students and understanding
their cultural backgrounds. I can also promote a culturally responsive curriculum by engaging
with organizations that reflect student’s cultures and backgrounds. This involves including
parents, organizational leaders, and administrators in lesson planning. Establishing a classroom
that acknowledges and respects all cultures can increase student’s motivation and desire to learn.
Human Development
Curriculum Development and Leadership
Parkay et al., (2014) focus on the importance of student development centered on
curriculum design and leadership. Parkay discusses the importance of understanding the three
stages of “cognitive, social, and emotional development” that students experience (p.126). An
SYNTHESIS PAPER ASSIGNMENT 4
important factor of curriculum design is incorporating an age-appropriate curriculum that aligns
with students’ stages of learning. Understanding the process behind student development is a
vital tool for educators to adapt their instruction according to student’s learning levels. In
elementary-age classrooms, students may require more stable hands-on learning experiences,
while secondary-age students can absorb more abstract and critical thinking activities. The
knowledge of the various stages of life children experience provides curriculum leaders the
ability to discover student differences and the progression of learning (Parkay et al.,2014).
Understanding and Appreciation
The knowledge that I have gained from understanding the significance of incorporating
curriculum to meet the developmental needs of students, has helped me recognize that students
develop differently based on their developmental stages. The added knowledge from this chapter
has provided me with teaching strategies that can be utilized specifically toward the
developmental growth of junior high students. This understanding is the foundation that allows
me to modify my curriculum to provide engaging and challenging material based on the student’s
stage of development.
Application in Work Environment
In my current teaching career, I teach students who range from the ages of 13–15 years.
These students are at the age where they “make predictions, think hypothetically, and reason
abstractly” (Parkay et al., 2014, p.128). I can apply this understanding by designing lessons
focusing on their developmental needs. Implementing age-appropriate learning strategies into my
instruction addresses student developmental levels and improves the quality of the curriculum.
Additionally, collaborating with colleagues and attending professional development training will
enhance my teaching as I apply new practices that benefit student learning.
SYNTHESIS PAPER ASSIGNMENT 5
Learning and Learning Styles
Curriculum Development and Leadership
Parkay et al., (2014) explore learning theories and styles that correlate with students'
retention of information. Understanding that students learn differently can impact curriculum
design and instructional strategies. One of the learning concepts explained by Parkay is the need
to modify curriculum and instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. Educators who
practice differentiated instruction provide opportunities for students overall well-being improve
(Letzel et al., 2022). Curriculum leaders must be aware of the variety of learning and understand
that some students understand curricula more easily than others. (Parkay et al., 2014).
Understanding and Appreciation
I have gained a broader understanding of the importance of acknowledging and
accommodating different learning styles in the classroom. By understanding that students learn
differently, I can develop teaching strategies that relate to student’s strengths and learning
preferences. This appreciation for different learning styles allows opportunities for my students
to engage with course materials and receive the resources they need to succeed academically.
Application in Work Environment
I can utilize this understanding by incorporating instructional strategies to address
different learning styles in my current work environment. This involves using visual aids,
hands-on projects, group work, problem-based learning, and technology that engages and
supports student growth. As I determine students' learning styles and provide opportunities for
support, this helps students achieve their learning goals and become lifelong learners.
Conclusion
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Parkay et al., (2014) have provided valuable information on the importance of “social
forces, human development, and learning styles in curriculum development and leadership”
(p.44-224). This understanding has increased my desire to improve my teaching practices and
implement an inclusive and effective curriculum. Applying these concepts in my teaching
requires adopting a more culturally responsive curriculum, creating developmentally appropriate
lessons, and integrating various learning preferences in the classroom. As I utilize these
principles in my practice, I can foster a supportive and inclusive curriculum for all students. This
curriculum development and leadership approach provides students with the resources and skills
to excel academically and become lifelong learners.
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References
Harris, A., Jones, M., & Crick, T. (2020). Curriculum leadership: A critical contributor to school
and system improvement. School Leadership & Management,40(1), 1–4.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13632434.2020.1704470
Letzel, V., Pozas, M., & Schneider, C. (2022). Challenging but positive! – an exploration into
teacher attitude profiles towards differentiated instruction (di) in germany. British Journal
of Educational Psychology,93(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12535
Parkay, F. W., Anctil, E. J., & Hass, G. (2014). Curriculum leadership: Readings for developing
quality educational programs. (Custom 10th ed.).
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