What Is Curriculum Theory
What Is Curriculum Theory
What Is Curriculum Theory
Submitted by:
COMPILATION
MA. JONALYN O. GEGATO
OF OUTPUTS PhD in Education Student
CDV 601: Curriculum Theory and Practice
Curriculum Development
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Output No. 1
Personal Definition of Curriculum
Output No. 4
Written Discussion of Curriculum in the Context of Different Curriculum
Traditions
Output No. 7A
Matrix of the Psychological Foundations of Curriculum: Theories and
Theorist with Parameters
Output No. 7B
Written Report of the Interview and Conclusions
Output No. 8
An Analysis of a Curriculum Based on the following:
(scope, sequence, continuity, integration, balance and articulation)
Output No. 8
Reaction Paper Saber Tooth Curriculum
Output No. 9
Copy of the Oral Presentation on Assigned Topic
Research Study Theoretical Framework
Output No. 11
Solutions, Implications, and Conclusions: On a Chosen Curricular
Problem Presented by Null
Output No. 14
Revised Curriculum Based on Critique Done
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Introduction
OUTPUT No. 1
Curriculum Definition: My Personal Perspective
OUTPUT No. 4
Written Discussion of Curriculum in the Context of Different
Curriculum Traditions
Systematic Curriculum
No Child Left Behind (NCLB), signed into law by President George W. Bush in
January 2002 is one best example of a curriculum that has a systematic tradition. The
law’s dominant goal is to prepare students to compete economically in the global
marketplace.
Another is the introduction of SBR “scientifically based research” which is
believed that randomized, control-group studies provide the only route to creating the
kind of public school system they desire. They define “scientifically based research”
(SBR) as “research that involves the application of rigorous, systematic and objective
procedures to obtain reliable and valid knowledge relevant to education activities and
programs.
The key to helping all children learn is to help teachers in each and every classroom
benefit from the relevant research. That can be accomplished by providing professional
development for teachers on the use of scientifically based reading
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programs; using instructional materials and programs that are also based on sound
scientific research; and by ensuring accountability through ongoing assessments.
Systematic thinkers seek to uncover a hidden piece of information—some
would say a panacea—that will unlock the gate to a world of improved schools.
The main idea behind the creation of curriculum standards, whether state or
national, is to establish what students “should know and be able to do” (a common
phrase) within the various subject-matter fields
As Ravitch makes the point, “Whether standards are state or national, teachers
should adapt and modify them to fit their own pedagogical skills as well as to take
advantage of current events and student interests.
Systematic approach puts emphasis on measurement, efficiency, and
universality. Without a reasonable amount of attention to system, any curriculum loses
its coherence.
The systematic tradition also makes a powerful point when it insists that
curriculists look to local communities for subject matter. Bobbitt made this point
originally in The Curriculum. When accepted in moderation, it makes good sense. Any
school’s curriculum must answer to a public constituency. The starting point for good
politics is human nature, argue these ancient Greeks, so it is only reasonable to start
with human nature when making curriculum. Contemporary teachers and curriculum
makers may not agree with Bobbitt’s view of human nature, but his point that human
nature is foundational to curriculum making is nonetheless insightful.
However, at the same time, too much system can lead to an unnecessary
amount of abstraction. It can result in theoretic visions for what curriculum can or
should do without sufficient attention to what may be accomplished within specific
schools and school districts. Systematic thinking about the curriculum has a valuable
role to play, but when taken too far, it forgets the human dimension of curriculum.
Another objection that can be raised is that the business leaders who take on
the challenge of educational reform know little, if anything, about curriculum, yet they
claim to be experts in education. They make a sharp distinction between “education”
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and “curriculum” and then declare that their knowledge has to do with
improving the process of “education” but not the content of curriculum. Curriculum
and education, however, are impossible to separate. Education without attention to
curriculum is like discussing politics without addressing human nature.
Existentialist Curriculum
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Pragmatic Curriculum
Pragmatic curriculum is perhaps the most difficult to capture because it defies
straightforward categorization. The whole purpose of the pragmatic perspective is to
avoid definite answers, allowing solutions to remain workable regardless of how
circumstances change. Pragmatists create a curriculum that emphasizes a variety of
subjects, is based on a wide range of assumptions, and is used for a host of different
ends. The workability of an idea matters more than consistency. A pragmatic curricular
philosophy is held together by a commitment to achieving goals such as effecting
change, making a difference in students’ lives, producing empirical results, or, as
James puts it, “working” to perform its function.
The tradition’s greatest strength is its adaptability. At their best, pragmatists
reject dogmatism and any form of ideology, so they are often successful at working
with diverse groups of people. It reminds us that curriculum making is not only an
idealistic activity but also an action-oriented task that must and should result in
changes to the way students think and behave. Another strength is that this tradition
can be beneficial
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to teachers at the beginning of their careers. The first few years of teaching are
difficult for most teachers, making a pragmatic approach not only desirable but often
necessary.
Pragmatic curriculum, however, also has weaknesses that must be taken into
account such as overemphasis on its strengths, curriculum assumes content, which is
why the public accepts the view that curriculum is the plan (or system) that describes
what will be taught, abandons subject matter altogether and pragmatists are willing to
compromise principles, ideals, or pieces of subject matter in their effort to adapt,
evolve, and produce what works.
Deliberative Curriculum
A deliberative view of curriculum see many parallels between the legal conception of
deliberation and what good curriculum makers do each day. Curriculum cannot be
avoided. Every year, teachers teach a curriculum. The issue is not whether a
curriculum will be taught. The issue is what will be included (or perhaps more
importantly what will be excluded) in a curriculum for any given year.
Several strengths of the deliberative tradition have become apparent throughout this
chapter. Deliberative curriculum opens up new avenues of knowledge without
dismissing empiricism and system. It builds upon the reality that curriculum is a value-
laden subject, offering a more holistic perspective than the other traditions.
Deliberative curriculum also is driven by an ideal that can serve as a source of unity,
inspiration, and vision for those who make curriculum. Since it builds upon a liberal
arts ideal, this tradition also has extraordinarily deep roots. It has the potential to
serve the curriculum field for many years beyond the modern period that is now
fading.
There are also disadvantages in a liberal curriculum. To name, deliberators use
methods and pursue ends that remain vague no matter how much they are discussed.
Another potential shortcoming is found in the discontinuity between how most
members of the general public view curriculum and the views offered by deliberators.
The humanistic tradition that serves as the foundation for deliberative curriculum has
been
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marginalized to such an extent that even beginning a conversation with the language
of deliberation can be difficult. Moreover, the current obsession with testing and
measurement at all levels of schooling hinders the extent to which deliberators can
make an impact.
Each curriculum tradition is very significant and made a great impact to the
educational system especially here in the Philippines from the past up to the present.
For me there is no superior curriculum tradition in such a way that each has its own
unique and valuable impact despite their given drawbacks. The influential people who
had contributed so much to the progress, easy understanding and wide spread
adaptation of the said curriculum traditions are indeed worthy of recognition.
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OUTPUT No. 7A
Matrix of Psychological Foundations of Curriculum
Theories, Theorists and Parameters
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Psychological
Foundations of
Definition/Parameters Theorists
Curriculum
Theories
Behaviorism, also known as
Behavioral Psychology, is a
theory of learning based on the
idea that all behaviors are
acquired through
conditioning. Conditioning occurs
through interaction with the
John B.
environment. Behaviorists
Watson
believe that our responses to
environmental stimuli shape our
actions.
According to this school of
thought, behavior can be studied
in a systematic and observable
manner regardless of internal
mental states.
Law of Learning
Law of Effect- emotional
Behaviorism reaction of the learner;
responses accompanied
Edward
by satisfaction strengthen
Thorndike- one
the connection;
of the first
responses accompanied
Americans to
by discomfort weaken
test the
the conn
learning
Law of Exercise-
process
encourage
experimentally,
repetition/drills to acquire
is considered
skills
the founder of
Law of Readiness-
behavioral
assessing child’s
psychology
readiness to learn
considering his
emotional, physical and
mental state
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Classical Conditioning- is a
technique frequently used in
behavioral training in which a neutral Ivan Pavlov
stimulus is paired with a naturally
occurring stimulus.
OUTPUT No. 7B
Written Report on the Interview
to a Curriculum Specialist
INTERVIEWEE PROFILE:
Question No. 1
Answers:
The following are the scopes of the tasks or responsibilities of the head
of curriculum and instruction of this university:
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What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of being a
curriculum specialist or the head of curriculum and instruction?
Answers:
Question No. 3
Answers:
We conducted a curriculum review for the proposed Master of Education
program. We invited school heads, alumni, specialists to review the design and
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to attune it with the needs of the basic education sector. The activity was
successfully conducted and we were able to refine the curriculum ready for the
University Curriculum Review, presentation to the Academic Council and BOR
approval.
Question No. 4
Answers:
a. Setting a dialogue
Result
Question No. 5
Answers:
Prepare an action/tactical plan for the academic year and carry out the
plan as scheduled.
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Question No. 6
Answers:
Question No. 7
What advice would you give to the new and young teacher as well as to
those who are planning to be a curriculum specialist or head of curriculum and
instruction?
Answers:
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Interviewer’s Reflection
Dr. Sandra Examen is one of the most humble and approachable campus
administrators I have ever met. I have known her personally and is at ease at
interviewing her because she is one of our wedding principal sponsors and is
closed to my husband as an ISAT-U alumna.
Well, as I review her answers to my questions relevant to one of her
major tasks for many years: Head of Curriculum and Instruction, I realized the
job was not easy. It really takes a lot of dedication and commitment to
accomplish every big tasks that is given and expected to be done at the
required schedule.
Moreover, it made me think that one should really be an expert to the
how’s and why’s of the specific institution in order not to put at risk the quality
of education that each student deserves. These skills are also necessary in
order not to create confusion and chaos within the implementation of
curriculum projects, activities and programs.
Human relation especially to colleagues should be strengthened. You can
have a soft heart to everyone and tough when there is a need. Why? It is
because, this kind of job- a curriculum maker/planner is a kind of job that
demands one to work with others. No matter how beautiful the curriculum
policy or program, if the people around you do not have the burning passion
and the will to perform because they could not connect with you, their
performance to successfully and correctly implement the curriculum will be
affected.
Lastly, to be a curricularists/ curriculum specialist is very challenging.
One can’t handle this task if he/she does not have as what Dr. Examen has
mentioned the heart or the love for the work. There may be a lot of problems
that may happen related to performing the task but if one has the passion
toward it, he/she would find a way and a perfect solution. Giving up and
ignoring the problem would never be a resort. Kudos to all curriculum
specialists/ curricularists!
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Output No. 8
Reaction Paper on Saber Tooth Curriculum
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who resist change by making them know, understand and believe for the better
outcomes.
As the years go by, those we learned from the past become obsolete in the
present, far even more, becomes useless when uncontrolled situation/circumstances
occur just like what happened in the Saber-Tooth Curriculum when the new ice age
came that made the teaching and learning of the three subjects: fish-grabbing, horse-
clubbing and tiger-scaring useless as there were no more fish to catch with bare hands
as they now hide in the muddy waters, no more horses to club as they have all gone
East and were replaced by antelopes where the clubbing skills won’t work and no more
tigers to scare as most have died due to saber-tooth tigers pneumonia. These
situations had made the paleolithic life and education disrupted and useless, thus
putting the community in a difficult situation.
This part of the article made me realized that indeed time comes when the
thing you know from the past are no longer applicable in the present. And what is left
is a choice for you to think of other ways of dealing with the present pressing issues in
order to survive and go with the current flow. For instance, others may take pride in
the commendable skill of typing using a typewriter to create reports and memos,
however, in the advent and invention of computers and the phasing out of typewriters
one should learn how to use computers to do the office tasks as efficient as others
including the use of internet to send online required reports when hard copies of
reports are no longer accepted.
And so I admire the three brilliant members of the old New-Fist breed or tribe
who had become doers and thinkers just like New Fist in the beginning of the article
that they were able to find new means of effectively catching the fish using an
improvised fish net, of the way to catch the antelope and of the best way to trap the
ferocious bears. The spread of this new innovations and the enthusiasm of all to learn
and try these new ways had greatly helped the entire community survive the challenge
of the time when they thought it was already hopeless.
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Output No. 11
Solutions, Implications, and Conclusions: On a Chosen
Curricular Problem Presented by Null
The curricular problem that I would choose and would like to work on as it had
caught my attention was the case of Kathy Waterman: Social Studies Chair.
Let me first briefly reiterate the problem situation: From one school in the
urban area she moved to Ashton High where teaching and learning experience was
different from her former school. Students in her new school, many of them were
under performing, and dropout had been a problem. Education was not so important
as perceived by many students in Ashton High. Less than 50 percent could graduate
and after finishing high school, less than 20 percent of the students pursued higher
education while the rest of the students remained in their locality to start working in
farms. To encourage students to stay in school, the Ashton High had attractive sports
programs and other extracurricular activities that each student could take part.
Waterman’s journey in Ashton High became more challenging when she was
designated as chairperson of Social Studies Department. She had to face problems on
school supplies and on the department’s teaching force. The absence of necessary
materials and the quality of teaching that her teachers deliver were the major
challenges she had to solve. She discovered when she was preparing for her new
position that the only social studies books that the school had were almost ten years
ago. The second problem that Kathy Waterman encountered was having a less
efficient and effective teacher. One of her teachers, Coach Wilson paid no attention
whatsoever to the Indiana social studies standards. Every day, he simply has students
read from their old textbooks and answer questions from the back of each chapter.
The Coach did not give Kathy the chance to engage in a discussion to address the
existing problems. Another teacher, Ms. Fitzgerald, pays little attention to state
standards. Her main focus has always been mathematics. She only accepted to teach
social studies because a teacher assigned refused to teach it.
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The case of Kathy mirrors the reality on the ground. We share similar struggles
in education. The lack of resources and teachers who lack commitment and motivation
are problems, which seem universal. The former poses a great challenge to senior high
school educators in the Philippines especially in public schools. Many teachers are
given teaching loads without being provided with enough reference. They rely on old
books in library, online sources which are unverified, and some borrow from their
friends who are teaching in private schools. In the lower levels, books are usually
available to the higher sections while students in the lower sections have to share a
book with their friends or seatmates. Moreover, other teachers would be teaching
subjects that they have no training or any foundation at all for there were no other
available teachers to do such.
But often, students have no reference books except the teachers who
monopolize the discussion. On the other hand, there are teachers in school whose only
concern is to receive salary every 15 th and 30th of the month without looking into the
quality of their service. They have been in their comfort zone for a long time and they
resist changes or innovations. This is very true to many of the teachers who has been
in the institution for a long time who refuse to learn new techniques and ideas, and
they usually pass the ball to the new ones. There are also teachers who were asked to
handle subjects, which are not their specialization due to the lack of teachers. In some
cases, teachers are employed in schools due to political accommodation; they were
favored because they know someone from the government despite their
incompetence.
How are we going to address these challenges that hinder the growth of our
education system, which affect the children, the future of this country? This requires
collective effort. The government, the school administrators and teachers should work
together. The government should allocate bigger budget for education to respond to
the needs of teachers and students. The school administrators, the in-charge of
schools should do their duty religiously. They have to make sure that the schools have
the necessary resources, and assigned teachers based on their specialization. They
should
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also keep track of the lessons and see to it that the prescribe curriculum are properly
implemented. Lastly, teachers should not only be confined within the four walls of the
classroom. They should be updated with the latest trends in education and be open-
minded to changes and innovations. They are also encouraged to enroll in graduate
school programs. Because above all other innovations and technology integration,
teachers are still the best visual aids and source of knowledge.
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Output No. 14
Revised Curriculum Based on Critics Done
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Output No. 9
Topics A-E