Designed by Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson, the Parallel Curriculum Model is meant to "adapt for any learner, subject domain, or grade level."
The PCM has four dimensions that are meant to be used individually, all together, or in any combination. The dimensions (depicted in the diagram at the right) of PCM are Core Curriculum, Curriculum of Connections, Curriculum of Practice, and Curriculum of Identity.
Most teachers in classrooms around the country use Core Curriculum (Common Core Standards) to guide their daily instruction. This is where teachers tend to be most comfortable in their instruction. The instruction is based on content that needs to be understood in conjunction with student's prior knowledge and interests.
The curriculum of connections is focused on helping students to make connections between multiple areas of knowledge. This helps students to transfer knowledge from one setting to another making the learning more valuable.
The curriculum of practice focuses on giving students authentic learning experiences. Like the Bruner Model, students take on the roles of professionals to apply the information they are gaining in a practical manner. An example would be asking students to take on the role of scientists, National Geographic photographers, researchers, or botanists when doing a science unit about how current environmental issues (i.e. pollution) are impacting mating and reproduction of chimpanzees.
The curriculum of identity asks students to reflect on themselves noting what they have learned and applying in to a specific field. Reflection is the best way for students to understand their learning by noting what they have gained and its importance. This curriculum asks students to reflect on their feelings when they took on roles and understand their accomplishments and/or shortfalls. Self reflection helps students better understand what they are best suited for in future endeavors and to note areas where improvements can be made.
The parallel curriculum model is useful because students have different needs. This model allows for students to express their talents, interests and styles through difference means. Through combining the different curricula students can getting a better understand of overarching concepts as they apply it to new content.
The PCM has four dimensions that are meant to be used individually, all together, or in any combination. The dimensions (depicted in the diagram at the right) of PCM are Core Curriculum, Curriculum of Connections, Curriculum of Practice, and Curriculum of Identity.
Most teachers in classrooms around the country use Core Curriculum (Common Core Standards) to guide their daily instruction. This is where teachers tend to be most comfortable in their instruction. The instruction is based on content that needs to be understood in conjunction with student's prior knowledge and interests.
The curriculum of connections is focused on helping students to make connections between multiple areas of knowledge. This helps students to transfer knowledge from one setting to another making the learning more valuable.
The curriculum of practice focuses on giving students authentic learning experiences. Like the Bruner Model, students take on the roles of professionals to apply the information they are gaining in a practical manner. An example would be asking students to take on the role of scientists, National Geographic photographers, researchers, or botanists when doing a science unit about how current environmental issues (i.e. pollution) are impacting mating and reproduction of chimpanzees.
The curriculum of identity asks students to reflect on themselves noting what they have learned and applying in to a specific field. Reflection is the best way for students to understand their learning by noting what they have gained and its importance. This curriculum asks students to reflect on their feelings when they took on roles and understand their accomplishments and/or shortfalls. Self reflection helps students better understand what they are best suited for in future endeavors and to note areas where improvements can be made.
The parallel curriculum model is useful because students have different needs. This model allows for students to express their talents, interests and styles through difference means. Through combining the different curricula students can getting a better understand of overarching concepts as they apply it to new content.