Republic of the Philippines

Laguna State Polytechnic University

San Pablo City Campus
Del Remedio, San Pablo City
Graduate Studies and Applied Research

COURSE: COG 209

COURSE TITLE: Curriculum Development and Recent Trends
TITLE: Learner as Source of Curriculum
REPORTER: Mark Ian E. Derapete
MAJOR: MA – Physical Education

Knowledge about the learners is one of the major sources of the curriculum. Although the
curriculum is set by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED), and the Technical Educational Skills Development Authority (TESDA),
educators and curriculum developers have tried to align the curriculum to the needs and nature of
the students. This process is done when faculty members plan their individual syllabi, unit plans,
and lesson plans as an interpretation of the intended curriculum.

As students come from different contexts, they have different cultures, languages,
learning styles, needs, and types and levels of motivation. The students are also different in terms
of socio – economic status and educational backgrounds (public or private institutions). For
these, the students, as a major source of curriculum, are supported by several curriculum scholars
and are well represented in their curriculum development models.

Educators must base their decisions upon the evidence of experience and the analysis of
that experience, until such time as the necessary theory and scientific studies are available.

- Citation from John I. Goodlad’s The Learner as a Data-Source in planning the school
program. p. 9. Educational Leadership. October 1961.

As well as understanding the context in which the students or trainees are learning, it is
important that the teacher is aware of the educational needs of the learners. This means thinking
about the needs of the learners both as a group and as individuals.

When teaching a group of learners there are many issues to consider in terms of how a
teacher’s style may influence the group, group dynamics, how to deal with quiet or disruptive
students and how to utilize learning resources to best advantage.
…there has been a shift from a ‘teacher as expert’ style of curriculum (which may utilize
more didactic teaching methods such as lectures) towards more learner centered approaches.

- Citation from McKimm, Judy. Curriculum Design and Development. 2007.