Lesson 1 Curriculum: Concepts, Nature, and Purposes

Curriculum- derived from the Latin term currere which means to run.

Curriculum from Different Points of View

1. Traditional Point of View of Curriculum Curriculum- a body of subjects or subject matters prepared by the teachers for the students to learn - Synonymous to course study and syllabus - Permanent studies (Robert M. Hutchins) - Discipline as a ruling doctrine for curriculum development (Joseph Schwab) - Consists entirely of knowledge (Phenix) - Should focus on the fundamental intellectual training (Arthur Bestor) 2. Progressive Point of View of Curriculum Curriculum- actualized by the learners - Total learning experiences of the individual - Reflective thinking is a means that unifies curricular elements (John Dewey) - All experiences children have under the guidance of teachers (Caswell & Campbell) - A sequence of potential experiences set up in the school for the purpose of disciplining children and youth in group ways of thinking and acting (Smith, Stanley, & Shores) - Experiences in the classroom which are planned and enacted by the teacher, and also learned by the students (Marsh & Wills)

2. Hilda Taba (Grassroots Approach) a. Diagnosis of learners needs and expectations of the larger society b. Formulation of learning experiences c. Selection of learning content d. Organization of leaning content e. Selection of learning experiences f. Organization of learning activities g. Determination of what to evaluate and the means of doing it

Types of Curriculum Operating in Schools

(Alan Glatthorn, 2000) 1. Recommended curriculum - proposed by scholars and professional organizations Ex. CHED, DOST, PAFTE, BIOTA, & DepEd 2. Written Curriculum - appears in schools, districts, divisions, or country documents - includes documents, course of study, or syllabi Ex. BEC (Basic Education Curriculum) Lesson Plan 3. Taught Curriculum - what teachers implement or deliver in the classrooms and schools 4. Supported Curriculum - materials which support or help in the implementation of a written curriculum Ex. resources textbooks, computers, audio-visual materials 5. Assessed Curriculum - refers to a tested or evaluated curriculum Ex. pencil-and-paper-tests, authentic instruments (portfolio) 6. Learned Curriculum - what the students actually learned and what is measured - learning outcomes achieved by the students 7. Hidden Curriculum - the unintended curriculum which is not deliberately planned but may modify behavior or influence learning outcomes Ex. peer influence, school environment, physical condition, teacher-learner interaction, mood of the teacher, etc.

Curriculum Development
It is the process of selecting, organizing, executing, and evaluating learning experiences on the basis of the needs, abilities, and interests of the learners and the nature of the society or community.

Points of View on Curriculum Development

1. Ralph Tyler Model: Four Basic Principles (Tylers Rationale) a. Purposes of the School b. Educational Experiences related to the Purposes c. Organization of Experiences d. Evaluation of the Experiences

Major Foundations of Curriculum

I. Philosophical Foundations of Curriculum A. Educational Philosophy- Perennialism Aim of Education- To educate the rational person - To cultivate the intellect Role of Education- Teachers help students think with reason Based on Socratic Method of oral exposition or recitation. Explicit or deliberate teaching of traditional values. Focus in the curriculum- classical subjects, literary analysis, and curriculum is constant Curriculum Trends- use of great books and return to liberal arts B. Educational Philosophy- Essentialism Aim of Education- To promote the intellectual growth of the individual and educate a competent person Role of Education- The teacher is the sole authority in his or her subject area or field of specialization Focus in the curriculum- Essential skills of the 3 Rs and essential subjects of English, Science, History, Math, and Foreign Language Curriculum Trends- Excellence in education, back to basics, and cultural literacy C. Educational Philosophy- Progressivism Aim of Education- To promote democratic and social living Role of Education- Knowledge leads to growth and development of lifelong learners who actively learn by doing Focus in the curriculum- subjects are interdisciplinary, integrative, and interactive. Curriculum is focused on students interest, human problems, and affairs Curriculum trends- school reforms, relevant and contextualized curriculum, humanistic education D. Educational Philosophy- Reconstructionism Aim of Education- To improve and reconstruct society. Education for change Role of education- Teachers act as agents of change and reform in various educational projects including research Focus in the curriculum- Focus on present and future trends and issues of

national and international interests Curriculum Trends- Equality of educational opportunities in education, access to global education

II. Historical Foundations of Curriculum 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Franklin Bobbit (1876-1956) Werret Charters (1875-1952) William Kilpatrick (1871-1965) Harold Rugg (1886-1960) Hollis Caswell (1901-1989) Ralph Tyler (1902-1994)

III. Psychological Foundations of Education 1. Behaviorist Psychology - Edward Thorndike - Ralph Tyler & Hilda Taba (curriculum) - Ivan Pavlovs classical conditioning - B. F. Skinners operant conditioning - Robert Gagne hierarchical learning or sets of behavior. Learning outcomes; intellectual skills or knowing how information or knowing what cognitive strategies or learning skills motor skills attitudes, feelings, and emotions 2. Cognitive Psychology - Jean Piaget Cognitive Development Stages - Lev Vygotsky (Social Constructivism) - Howard Gardner (Multiple Intelligences) - Felder & Silverman (Learning Styles) - Daniel Goldman (Emotional Intelligences) 3. Humanistic Psychology - built on Gestalt psychology - Abraham Maslows theory of human needs - Carl Rogers non-directive lives 4. Social Dimension - Schools exist within the social context. Societal affects and shapes schools and their curricula.

Prepared by: Leonora Erika O. Rivera