College of Education

The Teacher and School Curriculum

 Module 6

TYPES OF CURRICULUM DESIGN

Introduction:

This module familiarizes the students on the various curriculum design, for them to
identify what will be done, who will do it and what schedule to follow.

At the end of this module, students are expected to:

1. Identify the three basic types of curriculum design.
2. Describe how they differ from one another.

Discussion:

SUBJECT CENTERED DESIGN

This module introduces the types of curriculum design, however, each design will
be presented on three different modules.The three types of designs are the subject- centered,
the learner-centered/problem solving, and experience- centered.
The first module is a discussion on the designed and pattern of subject -centered
curriculum, this design revolves a particular subject matter or discipline. It focuses on the
subject like Math or Biology, so this design is centred on the subject rather than the individual .
It is the most common type of curriculum in K-12 program.
Subject – centred curriculum design describes what needs to be studied and how
it should be studied. Core curriculum is an example of a subject centred design that can be
standardized across schools. In standardized core curricula, teachers are provided a pre-
determined list of things that they need to teach their students, along with specific example of
how these things could be taught.

Example:

In English class the following are to be taught by the teacher and could be followed
by activities.
1. Definition of sentence
2. The subject and Predicate
3. The linking verb
4. Direct object

In the activities , the teacher will first cite example, which will be the basis of
student works.
You can also find subject-centred design in large college classes in which
teachers focus on only one subject or discipline. Literally, subject centred curriculum design is
that it is not student or learner centered and it does not consider the specific learning styles of
students. This is one disadvantages of this design that may cause problems with student
engagement and motivation.
Following are characteristics of subject-centered curriculum, learning subject
matter is an end in itself, listening to lecture, studying the textbooks and studying for
examinations are all practices that show the influence of the subject centered approach.

2 DYCI Senior High School – General Physics 1 Learning Module

 An example of subject-centered curriculum is the spiral curriculum. The spiral
curriculum is organized around the materials to be taught with less emphasis on the discipline
structure itself, and more emphasis on the concepts and ideas. It is based around the structure
of knowledge rather than focusing on the detailed information itself.

D Y C I S e n i o r H i g h S c h o o l – G e n e r a l P h y s i c s 1 L e a r n i n g M o d u l e3 3
Name: _________________________________________ Score: ______________________
Grade and Section: ______________________________

Module 6

SUBJECT CENTERED CURRICULUM DESIGN

Answer the following in the space provided:

1. Make an analysis of subject centred design, it’s advantages and disadvantages.

2. How will you explain the statement “ The subject-centred curriculum focuses on Math
and Biology?
Are there evidences that in the Teacher Education Curriculum, there is a sense of this
design.

4 DYCI Senior High School – General Physics 1 Learning Module

3. Describe spiral curriculum as used by the K-12 program of the Department of Education,
basic education curriculum.

D Y C I S e n i o r H i g h S c h o o l – G e n e r a l P h y s i c s 1 L e a r n i n g M o d u l e5 5
 Bibliography

Curriculum Studies Handbook - the Next Moment : The Next Moment : Exploring Post-
Reconceptualization, edited by Erik Malewski, Taylor & Francis Group, 2009. ProQuest Ebook
Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/dyciph/detail.action?docID=446878.

Henrie, Mark C.. Student's Guide Core Curriculum, ISI Books, 2006. ProQuest Ebook Central,
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/dyciph/detail.action?docID=3316218.

 Republic Act No. 10533, May 15, 2013; Implementing rules and regulations, September 4,
2013

6 DYCI Senior High School – General Physics 1 Learning Module