Designing a Standards-based, Eclectic, Elaborated, and Synergistic Yearlong Theme Cycle

Abstract

In Florida, we often read or hear on the news about the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) and how it is negatively affecting our students, parents and schools. The number of standards, benchmarks, and grade level expectations teachers are required to teach students to prepare them for taking the FCA T often seems unmanageable and overwhelming. Additionally, traditional methods of teaching are oftentimes at odds with current research on brain-based learning, multiple intelligences, literature-based instruction, and integrated and thematic curriculum planning.

Is there a way to combine all the best teaching practices from current research into one basic, cohesive model of teaching that not only fulfills the requirements of the Florida Sunshine State Standards and prepares students for the FCA T, but is also a workable product that can be implemented in the real world of teaching? This project creates one such teaching model referred to as a Standards-based, Eclectic, Elaborated, and Synergistic Yearlong Theme Cycle (SEES Cycle). In addition to the prototype SEES Cycle and its accompanying yearlong science roadmap, this project also introduces SEES Cycle teaching menus which are designed to provide teachers with a valuable resource in long-range planning and for daily, "subject integration" lesson planning. Exclusive to this project is the Multiple Intelligences Teaching Menu which links specific Florida Sunshine State Standards to certain multiple intelligences activities. Furthermore, this project presents the research substantiation that could move the SEES Cycle teaching model, science roadmap, and accompanying teaching menus from a theoretical framework to one of practical application.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2003

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Hutchinson, Cynthia J.

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Education

Degree Program

Elementary Education

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Education; Education -- Dissertations, Academic; Curriculum planning -- Florida; Science -- Study and teaching (Elementary)

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0021777

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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