Response Paper: The Field of Curriculum

Thanks to the assigned readings, I have come to know six different curriculum approaches

which are behavioral, managerial, systems, academic, humanistic, and postmodern

approaches. I also acquired further knowledge as to the curriculum, definers of it, its domains,

and foundations. First, I would like to comment on each approach, since from my perspective,

they all have pros and cons. I would also like to touch on the general issues about the

curriculum and state my own point of view.

The first and the oldest one, the Behavioral Approach relying on a plan-based system,

specifies the objectives and eventual goals while efficiency is also an important point here. As

a student teacher, when I first read about this approach, I thought that it would be quite a

beneficial approach as it allows educators to base the instruction on a structured plan thereby;

fewer risks occur. Plus, as it evolved into an approach where educators recognize the

individuality of the learners, it is now much more promissory when it comes to effectiveness.

As for Managerial Approach though, we can discuss about its effectiveness as most of the

administrations adopting it gave and continues to give importance to organization rather than

content and methods. It might, however, be uttermost responsive since it advocates the

change.

System Approach, aiming to change the people’s behavior, integrates different units such as

planning and programming into the curriculum, which promotes effective teaching and

learning environment. I think today’s school committees should definitely consider employing

this kind of approach into their management.

Fourth one, Academic Approach is more concerned with the training and the development of

the individual’s mind. It resembles the mind to the muscles. So, as learners train their brain, it

develops. Consequently, a developed brain can be used for many occasions. I believe this
approach makes sense if we want to adopt an effective education, but it should be combined

with other approaches in some respects. I also do not think that it is appropriate to be counted

as one main way of curriculum.

The fifth one, Humanistic Approach, which aroused as a response to the belief that other

approaches ignores personal and social aspects of the curriculum, advocates that lessons

should be based mostly on life experiences, group activities and social events. As

individuality, engaging environment, self-expression and participation is emphasized in this

approach; I believe this one is the most effective one. It values learners more and if students

feel that they are valued, they will feel encouraged to devote themselves to their studies.

The sixth and the last one, Postmodern Approach is concerned with the changeability of the

curriculum. So, basically, there is no specific way to define or form the curriculum which fits

today’s world as everything changes extremely fast. By adopting this approach, education can

be evolved into what modern world requires.

Curriculum, typically defined as a plan for achieving goals, can include anything planned

about school. Although there are some widely accepted definitions of the term like the ones

that I just stated in the previous sentence, there are various definitions in different ways so

defining it is a quite discussable issue. And regardless of the way we define it, it is extremely

crucial for education field. So adopting the best approach and designing the curriculum

responding to students’ and individuals’ needs must be our main concern.

There are also a lot of discussions, debates, and criticisms when it comes to the foundations of

the curriculum. Widely accepted foundations of curriculum can be listed as philosophical,

historical, social, and psychological. Globalization and technology are also thought as a

continuation of these foundations although they are generally overlooked. I believe we should

definitely consider the last two as well since they are an inseparable part of today’s world.
What about Curriculum Domains? Curriculum domains, which defines the internal boundaries

of curriculum as opposed the foundations of curriculum, is also open to debate as there is no

consensus. Apart from these conflicts, curriculum development and curriculum design are the

most important domains.

Another substantial point that I have formed an opinion about thanks to the assigned reading

is the concept of translating theory into practice. What defines good theory is its practicality,

and curriculum requires practicality so in this sense, as educators, we should fully

comprehend the relevant theories.

Each curriculum worker has different roles and responsibilities and each of these

responsibilities must be thoroughly fulfilled. Teachers, principals, supervisors, and of course

students can be regarded as most active curriculum workers. And they all are components of a

team. So there is a division of labor on curriculum. Developing technical methods, turning

theory into practice, curriculum development and design, stating a goal, giving an importance

to relations with individuals and groups are some of the responsibilities of curriculum

workers. As a student teacher, I know that I will be playing an important role in applying and

forming the curriculum in the future; therefore, I will beware of my responsibilities and share

when the time comes and do my best to reach the planned goal.