Chapter 4: What Really Matters in Planning for Student Success

Chapter four of DI/UbD emphasises the importance of strong curriculum that is geared towards multiple learning styles, therefore reaching every student. The important information is not just the jargon, but the stuff that leads to a true understanding of the material covered. This requires the teacher to do more than merely scratch the surface, but to go deep using several different learning styles, giving the student a multi-dimentional scaffold to build their ideas and understandings. It would be much easier if teachers simply needed to put certain information out in the classrooms, and it was the students' responsibility to learn it, but as teachers, we are reminded that this is not the case. Flexible routines must be used to accomodate the bouquet of learners that is the classroom, which will create a community environment.

Block 1 had a lot of varied opinions on chapter four DI/UbD. A common thread was that we all want to adapt to our student's needs and don't want to be the teachers who want regurgitation. Using differentiated instruction will be an important tool that we employ to keep ourselves and our students sane with our expectations and goals. Another commonality with chapter four was that a lot of people are concerning themselves with their approachability or perception as a real person. We have the goal to make a lasting impression and teach our students something that they will never forget, and part of that is having the trust and respect of the entire classroom. A strong curriculum that engages every learner is proactive classroom management.