CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT: CONCEPTS, NATURE,AND PURPOSES
The term ―curriculum‖ conveys many things to people. To some, it denotes a specific course,
while to
others it means the entire educational environment. It is a dynamic as
the change that occurs in the society. Hence, curriculum encompasses more than
a simple definition. It is a key element in the educational process; its scope
is extremely broad, and it touches virtually everyone who is involved with
teaching and learning. Ina broader sense, it refers to the total learning
experience of individuals not only in school, but in society as well.
Education or l reforms in the Philippines can be traced form different
recommendations of several educational initiatives, like the Philippine
Commission to survey Philippine Education (PCSPE-1969), Survey of the Outcomes
of Elementary Education (SOUTELE-1976), the Philippine Commission of
Educational Reform (PCER) that focused on curricular reforms and National
Competency-Based standards for Teachers (NCBTS), which became the anchor of
reforms in education from the basic to higher education
What is Curriculum? From the Latin word curriculum (―course‖), derived from curare ―run or ―move quickly).
A ―course for tracing‖
In educational usage, the “course of the race” stands for “course of
study”
1. The Traditional Points of View
•
In early years of the
20th century, ―Curriculum was a ―body of subject or subject matter prepared by
the teacher for the student to learn.‖ It was synonymous to the
―course of study‖ and ―syllabus‖
•
Robert M. Hutchins-
curriculum for basic education should emphasize 3Rs, and college education
should be grounded on liberal education
•
Joseph
Schwab-―Discipline‖ is the sole source of curriculum. Thus, the education system curriculum
is divided into chunk of knowledge called subject areas in basic education,
such as math science, English etc…, and college, discipline may include
humanities, sciences, languages, etc.
2. Progressive Points of View of
Curriculum
•
To a progressivist,
―a listing of school subjects, syllabi, course of study, and list of course or
specific discipline do not make a curriculum,‖ This can only be called curriculum if the written materials are
actualized by the learner.
•
John Dewey-Curriculum
is based in Dewey‘s definition of experience and education. He believes that
reflective thinking is a means that unifies curricular elements.
•
Caswell and Campbell
viewed curriculum as ―all experiences children have under the guidance of
teachers‖.
•
Marsh and Willis view
curriculum as ―all the experiences in the classroom which are planned and
enacted by the teacher, and also learned by the students.‖
Major Foundations of Curriculum
The commonly accepted foundations of curriculum include the following:
1. Philosophical - relating or
devoted to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and
existence.
2. Historical - concerning
history; concerning past events.
3. Psychological - affecting, or
arising in the mind; related to the mental and emotional state of a person.
4. Social - relating to society
or its organization.
Philosophical Foundations of Curriculum Philosophy
provides educators, teachers and curriculum makers with a framework for
planning, implementing, and evaluating curricula 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 process.
Four Educational Philosophies that Relates to Curriculum:
1. PERENNIALISM
Aim of Education- to educate the rational person; to cultivate the
intellect.
Role of Education- Teachers help students think with reason based in the
Socratic methods of oral exposition or recitation and explicit or deliberate
teaching of traditional values.
Focus in the curriculum- Classical subjects, literary analysis.
Curriculum is constant. Curriculum trends- use of great books and return to
liberal arts.
2. 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/her subject
area or field of specialization.
Focus in the curriculum- Essential skills of the 3 Yrs and essential
subjects of English, science, history, math and foreign language
Curriculum Trends- Excellence in Education, back to basics, and cultural
literacy
3. 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 student‘s interest, human problems and
affairs.
Curriculum Trends- School reforms, relevant and contextualized
curriculum, and humanistic education
4. RECONSTRUCTIVISM
Aim of Education- To improve and reconstruct society, since education is
for change Role of Education- Teachers act as agents of change and reform in
various educational projects, including research.
Focus in the Curriculum- Present and Future trends and issues of
national and international interest.
Curriculum Trends- Equality of educational opportunities in education,
and access to global education.