MTLE Curriculum Planning and Design 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which curriculum design model begins with identifying desired learning outcomes and then works backward to design instruction?
- Tyler Rationale
- Understanding by Design (UbD) (Correct answer)
- Spiral Curriculum
- Direct Instruction
Correct answer: Understanding by Design (UbD)
Understanding by Design (Wiggins & McTighe) uses backward design: establish desired results, determine acceptable evidence, then plan learning experiences.
Question 2: Scope in curriculum planning refers to:
- The sequence in which topics are taught
- The breadth and depth of content to be covered (Correct answer)
- The pace of instruction throughout the year
- The alignment between grade levels
Correct answer: The breadth and depth of content to be covered
Scope defines what content is included in a curriculum and to what depth, ensuring comprehensive and appropriately bounded coverage of learning standards.
Question 3: Sequence in curriculum planning refers to:
- The range of topics covered
- The order in which content is taught (Correct answer)
- The alignment of content to state standards
- The number of assessments per unit
Correct answer: The order in which content is taught
Sequence determines the logical or developmental order in which content is presented, ensuring students build knowledge progressively and coherently.
Question 4: A 'spiral curriculum,' as described by Bruner, revisits topics at increasing levels of complexity. This design principle MOST supports:
- Covering more content per year
- Deepening understanding through repeated exposure over time (Correct answer)
- Reducing redundancy in curriculum
- Testing students more frequently
Correct answer: Deepening understanding through repeated exposure over time
Bruner's spiral curriculum intentionally reintroduces key concepts with greater depth and sophistication, strengthening understanding through iterative engagement.
Question 5: Which component of a lesson plan describes what students will be able to do by the end of the lesson?
- Materials list
- Learning objective (Correct answer)
- Assessment plan
- Anticipatory set
Correct answer: Learning objective
Learning objectives clearly state the expected student outcomes in observable, measurable terms, guiding all other lesson plan components.
Question 6: A Minnesota teacher aligns lesson activities to the Minnesota Academic Standards. This alignment ensures:
- All students receive the same homework
- Lessons meet state-defined expectations for student learning (Correct answer)
- The curriculum is identical across all schools
- All assessments are standardized
Correct answer: Lessons meet state-defined expectations for student learning
Aligning instruction to Minnesota Academic Standards ensures lessons address the content and skills the state has identified as essential for student success.
MTLE Curriculum Planning and Design 1
Which curriculum design model begins with identifying desired learning outcomes and then works backward to design instruction?