The pros and cons of different high school curriculums

Each year, students receive new teachers for new courses. Some instructors prefer to run their class in a project-oriented environment, while others prefer tests and quizzes. Each method of teaching has different benefits and most classes are either one or the other. History and math classes tend to be more test-oriented, while science and English can go either way.

Project-oriented classes tend to be more about grasping concepts and big ideas as well as real-world application. English classes that are project-oriented allow students to think creatively and in depth, in regards to texts and materials discussed in the curriculum. A project based curriculum also allows more flexibility. Students can experiment with how to demonstrate their knowledge such as Socratic seminars, presentations and art. Students may receive the opportunity to work with peers, which allows them to exchange ideas and brainstorm with others to contribute knowledge.

However, sometimes group projects can lead to unequal amounts of work for students. Sometimes all of the work in a group gets pinned on one person and this can result in students not receiving the intended effects of project based curriculum. Plagiarism and cheating become an issue as well in regards to the freedom presented with projects. Projects give students more freedom to present their knowledge in creative ways, and when students and teachers use the opportunity properly it can result in extensive knowledge and ideas shared.

Test-oriented classes tend to have more structure than project based classes. This provides the students with a more concrete and predictable daily schedule. Such as notes for three days, a quiz, more notes and then a test. This curriculum also gives students opportunities to explore their own knowledge on a subject. Students also must learn to effectively study in a test based curriculum, which prepares them for typical lecture classes in college.

However, a test based curriculum can seem boring and repetitive to students as the cycle is repeated over and over again. The material must make up for the dull cycle in terms of level of interest in order to keep students engaged.

Both types of curriculums have their benefits and downsides, but an ideal world would involve a mixture of both.  Too much freedom in project based classes can lead to students feeling overwhelmed with options, but too much structure can stifle students’ creativity and lead to boredom.