Foundations of Curriculum

Philosophical Foundations
Philosophy provides educators, teachers and curriculum
makers with framework for planning for implementing and evaluating
curriculum in schools.
It helps in answering:
 What schools are for?
 What subjects are important?
 How students should learn and what materials and
methods should be used.
 In decision making :
Philosophy provides the starting point and will be
used for the succeeding decision making.
The philosophy of a curriculum planner, implementer or
evaluator reflects his or her life experiences, common beliefs, social
and economic background and education.
Major Philosophies
i. Idealism
Aim of Education – The curriculum is based upon
the idea or assumption of the spiritual nature of man.
Role of Education – A subject matter or curriculum
must emphasize the great and enduring ideas of the culture.
Focus in the Curriculum – Subjects must be essential
for the realization of mental and moral Development.
ii. Realism
Aim of Education – A pupil shall be taught with
strong states of personal discipline. Pupil must be provided with
essential knowledge required for survival in natural world.
 Role of Education – Subjects are taught by a teacher
who is impersonal and objective and knows the subject fully.
Focus in the Curriculum – Curriculum is best
organized according to subject / matter. Curriculum should also
emphasize the effects of the social environment on the individual’s
life.
Curriculum Trends – The teaching method
recommended are authoritative.
iii. Pragmatism
Aim of Education – developing those experiences
that will enable one to lead a good life.
Role of Education – Education must help its students
become excellent citizens in a democratic society.
Focus in the Curriculum – School Curriculum must
be part of social context
Curriculum Trends – Instruction organized around
problem solving according to the scientific method.
iv. Existentialism
Aim of Education – Teaching strategies must
stimulate awareness that each person creates a self-concept through
significant choices.
Role of Education – Teacher should help the student
to become for himself what it is he wants to become.
Focus in the Curriculum – School assists student in
knowing themselves and leaning their place in society.
 Educational Philosophies
i. Perennialism
Aim of Education – To educate the rational person;
to cultivate the intellect.
Role of Education – Teachers help students think
with reason.
Focus in the Curriculum – Classical subject s,
literary analysis and curriculum is constant.
Curriculum Trends – Use of great books and return
to liberal arts.
ii. Essentialism
Aim of Education – To promote the intellectual
growth of the individual and educate a competent person.
Role of Education – The teachers is the sole
authority in his /her subject area/ field of specialization.
Focus in the Curriculum – Essential skills of the 3
R’s and essential subjects of English, Science, History, Math and
other foreign languages.
Curriculum Trends – Excellence in education, back
to basics and cultural literacy.
iii. 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.
Focuses 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.
iv. Re-constructionism
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.
Psychological Foundations
Psychology provides a basis for the teaching and learning
process. It unifies the elements of the learning process and some of
the questions which can be addressed by psychological foundations of
education.
Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior. It gives
insight into:
 Child development
 Learning
 Inquiry techniques
 Educational objectives
 Student characteristics
 Learning process
 Teaching method
 Evaluation procedures