When curriculum planning should/could dual processes be used or should we stick to one or the other? Well, in my opinion, it depends. Each district is different, each curriculum is different, each committee is different, students are different, teachers are different, so is there a “right way” across all schools to create curriculum. My thought is NO! However, is it possible to have both technological process and naturalistic process in the same curriculum, YES! The bottom line in both process is the same, creating quality learning experiences for the students. The more analytical thinkers will stick more with the technological process, more linear thinking, where the more creative thinkers will use the naturalistic approach, with more hands on, project based learning.
As we know all students are different and learn in many different styles. In my opinion, it just makes sense to use both approaches in a classroom in order to reach all, or at least, most of your students. As a middle school math teacher, in the beginning of a unit, I tend to be more technological with vocabulary, practice sets, and explanation. As I feel the foundation is laid, I move more to the hands on, real world experiences to show how to use the skills we are learning and reach those students that are more visual learners.
I believe that using only technological is a more old school, traditional approach. In today’s society, students need to see why and how to use what they are learning. They are a more hands on, game playing, entitled generation that needs to have fun while learning or they will be lost. That’s why I believe a good blend of the process is important.