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Do you have to teach a subject a specific way or are you allowed to change it?

I've heard that administrations and school boards choose the way you teach a specific topic and I was wondering if there was any room to be more creative with the kids. For example, there are different ways to teach math, but I heard that sometimes you are required to teach it a certain way.
#education #middle-school #teaching

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Thank you comment icon in a lot of public schools there is not a lot of room for creativity in the basic subjects. the teachers are required to teach a certain, some districts have tests that the children are required to be able to complete, so the instruction has to match. valerie mitchell
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Matthew’s Answer

The short answer is it depends. Public schools tend to be a bit more strict and can exert a little more control over the content of your lessons and how you teach them. With both public and private schools however, you still adhere to the standards set forth by the state.

I taught at a private school and had quite a bit of freedom over what I taught and how I taught it. Having said that, the administration still offered suggestions from time to time. I often found that the administration encouraged dynamic ways of teaching as students learn in all different types of ways.
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Raashid’s Answer

Although there is no universal best way to teach, experience shows that some general principles apply (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1990a; McDermott et al., 1994; Mazur, 1996):

Teach scientific ways of thinking.

Actively involve students in their own learning.

Help students to develop a conceptual framework as well as to develop problem solving skills.

Promote student discussion and group activities.

Help students experience science in varied, interesting, and enjoyable ways.

Assess student understanding at frequent intervals throughout the learning process.
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Shelby’s Answer

Hello Desiree! Like others are saying, it truly does depend on location. However, if you have evidence to back up that more creative approaches are working and that you are still meeting educational outcomes with your students, then you may be able to convince your administration that you should use your methods. If you have creative ideas, start by looking them up online and see if there are any peer-reviewed sources that back up those strategies.

Another thing to consider is if those strategies will meet state standards. In my experience, public schools are constantly trying to keep up with the curriculum, so it is hard to fit in creativity while still teaching to the standards. In the private school I am currently doing my internship at, however, state standards are not used whatsoever. Instead, they may stick loosely to a textbook and throw in additional elements. This does allow for more creativity, yes, but it also puts a lot more work and pressure on the teacher. Therefore, it will ultimately depend on where you feel most comfortable working, and how you can use your creative strategies effectively. Hope this helps!
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