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OVERVIEW
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Ethics, moral
education, religious Drug prevention, road safety
education education
Introduction
In this chapter we will examine the different phases of the curriculum development
process. The first phase is curriculum planning followed by curriculum design,
curriculum implementation and curriculum evaluation. In this chapter we examine in
general the curriculum development process
by referring to three well-known curriculum
development model; namely, the Tyler model,
the Taba model and the Saylor & Alexander
model. In the second part of the chapter, we
focus on the first phase of the process namely,
curriculum planning which involves
establishing the goals and objectives of a
curriculum based on the agreed educational
philosophy.
[Source: www.iconandclipart.com]
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ACTIVITY
1. What is the message of the cartoon?
2. How far is this characteristic of your education system?
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In essence, Tyler‟s questions represent the four-step sequence of (1)
identifying purposes or objectives, (2) selecting the means for the attainment or
achievement of these objectives i.e. what educational or teaching-learning experiences
have to be provided for students, (3) organising these educational or teaching-learning
experiences, and (4) evaluating the outcomes or what have students attained or
achieved. By “purposes”, Tyler was referring to “objectives” and when developing
curriculum objectives data should be gathered from three sources, namely; the subject
area (eg. science, mathematics, geography, history), the learners (eg. economically
disadvantaged, gifted, varying academic abilities) and society (eg. ethics, patriotism,
national unity, environmental awareness, employment, market needs). Figure 2.1
presents Tyler‟s model of curriculum development.
After identifying the objectives (which are the desired learning outcomes), the
curriculum developer has to pass them through two screens: the philosophy screen
and the psychology screen. Resulting from this are specific instructional objectives
which state the kind of outcomes that are observable are measurable. The next step is
the selection of educational experiences which enable the attainment of the stipulated
objectives. The learning experiences have to take into account the previous
experiences learners bring to a situation. The learning experiences will have to be
selected based on what is known about human learning and human development.
Next, Tyler talked about the organisation and sequencing of these learning
experiences. He emphasised that the experiences should be properly organised so as
to enhance learning and suggested that ideas, concept, values and skills be used as
organising elements woven into the curriculum. These elements would serve as
organisers linking content within a particular subject (eg. history, economics, science)
and also determine the method of instruction or delivery of content..
Finally, Tyler proposed that evaluation should be an important part of the
curriculum development process. It was necessary for educators to know whether the
selected learning experiences produced the intended results. For example, if the
objective is to develop critical thinking among students, did the learning experiences
selected achieve this objective. Through evaluation it will be possible to determine
whether the curriculum was effective or ineffective.
There is no denying that Tyler‟s thinking has greatly influenced the field of
curriculum, especially curriculum development. The four questions that he raised had
and still have great appeal because it is very reasonable and workable. Despite much
criticism of the model as being too linear, that is, cause and effect, there is no denying
that his thinking continues to be popular (Ornstein and Hunkins, 1998).
SELF-TEST
1) What is the role of objectives in Tyler‟s model?
2) Why do objectives have to be screened by philosophy and
psychology?
3) Give 3 specific examples of „learning experiences‟
according to the Tyler Model,
4) What are elements? Give specific examples
5) What is the purpose of evaluation?
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Curriculum Planning
Society
Philosophy
Subject
matter SOURCES Objectives Screens Instructional
Objectives
Learner
Psychology
Selection of Organisation of
Learning Learning Evaluation
Experiences Experiences
[Source: adapted from Allan C. Ornstein & Francis P. Hunkins, Curriculum: Foundations,
Principles and Issues, (Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1998), p.198.]
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Teacher Input
Evaluation
Diagnosis of
Needs
Organisation
of Learning
Activities
Formulation
Teacher of Objectives
Input
Selection of
Learning
Selection of Activities
Content
Organisation
of Content
Teacher Input
Taba proposed 7 major steps to her grass-roots model in which teachers would have
major input throughout the curriculum development process:
1. Diagnosis of need: The teacher who is also the curriculum designer starts the
process by identifying the needs of students for whom the curriculum is
planned. For example, the majority of students are unable to think critically.
2. Formulation of objectives: After the teacher has identified needs that require
attention, he or she specifies objectives to be accomplished.
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3. Selection of content: The objectives selected or created suggest the subject
matter or content of the curriculum. Not only should objectives and content
match, but also the validity and significance of the content chosen needs to be
determined. i.e. the relevancy and significance of content.
Taba‟ model has much merit. However, some argue that teacher involvement
throughout the process assumes that they have the expertise and, perhaps more
importantly, the time to engage in such an extensive and intensive curricular activity.
Teachers being involved in the early stages of curriculum development may not
necessarily be an advantage as it will not necessarily guarantee an effective
curriculum since it is a highly specialised process.
However, it cannot be denied that curriculum development requires the
involvement of many parties at various stages of the process. It involves individuals
from the Central Office or the Ministry of Education, district education officers,
principals, teachers, community leaders, subject matter experts, academics and even
students. Usually, curriculum developers at the Central Office are given the task of
directing those actions that bring together various participants in curriculum
development. Teachers may only be involved in implementing the curriculum while
the main part of the curriculum is determined by the Ministry of Education,
academics, content specialists and employers.
SELF-TEST
1) Explain why Taba‟s model is called the grass-roots model
2) Do you think teachers should be the main decision makers
in the development of a curriculum? Why?
3) To what extent are teachers involved in developing
curriculum in your country?
The two models just discussed reveal both similarities and differences. All
models outline a sequence of steps to be taken in curriculum development.
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Interestingly, the Taba model emphasises the role of teachers in curriculum
development while the Tyler model focuses on the two screens objectives have to
pass through. However, you should keep in mind that models often are incomplete;
they do not and cannot show every detail and aspect of the complicated curriculum
process. To depict every aspect in detail of the curriculum development process
would require an exceedingly complex and intricate model.
In looking at the two models we cannot say that any one model is superior to
another model. Some curriculum planners have followed the Tyler model with
considerable success. But this does not mean that the Tyler model represents the
ultimate in models for curriculum development or that all educators are satisfied with
it.
Goals of Education
The cartoon at the beginning of this chapter shows the kinds of decisions that
curriculum workers have to make in some education system somewhere in the world.
Some decisions are relatively simple such as adding a course, deleting a course or
making some minor changes to content. Other decisions are sweeping and far-
reaching such as changing the levels of schooling from 6-3-2-2 (six years of primary
or elementary school, three years of lower secondary, two years of upper secondary
and two years pre-university or matriculation) to 6-4-2 (six years of primary or
elementary school, four years of secondary and two years of pre-university or
matriculation). How does one decide? All the three models of curriculum
development emphasised the need from the onset to plan statements of purpose of the
education system. What do you want students to be able to do after completing
primary school or after completing secondary school?
In Chapter 2, we discussed the views of various Western and Eastern
philosophers on what they thought the school should be and aim to achieve. In
Chapter 3, we discussed various psychological explanations of human learning which
provide guidelines as to what students will be able to achieve and how they should be
taught. In Chapter 4, we examined what society demands of its education system
providing some insight into what schools should aspire. Based on these sources, the
curriculum planner will have to decide on an education philosophy from which the
goals of education may be derived.
Levels of Goals
Educational philosophy
The initial task of curriculum planners is identification of an educational
vision or philosophy which will form the basis of planning. It reflects the desires of
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the nation and the major theme paving the way for the future. The vision statement or
philosophy provides guidelines for curriculum developers in organising and
incorporating programmes and activities into the curriculum. The philosophic vision
is usually derived through discussions with various persons in the country and also
from reading the literature. Then it is reformulated in the light of realities to enable
the vision to be achieved through a process of learning in schools rather remaining an
ideal that is unachievable.
The educational philosophy of an educational system is a reflection of
national policies. For example, use of one language of instruction to unite the
different communities; free primary education to reduce drop-outs and a common
national curriculum to reduce varying interpretations. The educational philosophy will
also reflect national priorities such as the development aspects of the nation, socio-
cultural needs of the people and levels of achievement of the children at different
cycles. Development needs have to be identified in relation to the priorities. For
example does the country want more graduates or should the emphasis be on basic
education.
In relation to socio-cultural needs, the culture of peace, conflict resolutions
etc. could emerge as important aspects that should be highlighted in the school
curriculum. The needs of disabled persons and adults who have lost opportunities for
learning have to be incorporated too. Opportunities for vocational and career
education have to be provided in the curriculum. Therefore, vocational interests of
students have to be assessed.
In addition, curriculum planners should not only study current best practices,
customs, and beliefs about education in the local schools but should compare these to
the educational research literature on best practices in teaching, learning, and
curriculum design. Levels of achievements relate to understanding of concepts at
different grades by children to enable them to complete the skills needed to move on
to higher grades. These have to be identified in order to bring quality to learning and
avoid wastage in the learning programmes.
ACTIVITY
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The curriculum framework is a set of principles and guidelines which
provides both a philosophical base and an organisational structure for curriculum
development initiatives at all levels, be they nationally, provincially, community or
school-based. The vision for South Africa encompasses a prosperous, truly united,
democratic and internationally competitive country with literate, creative and
critical citizens, leading productive, self-fulfilled lives in a country free of
violence, discrimination and prejudice. The realisation of this vision requires
appropriate, lifelong education, training and development to empower people to
participate effectively in all the processes of a democratic society and to excel in
fields like human and natural resource development, human and natural sciences,
the arts and technology.
The primary task of educational policy makers is the establishment of a just
and equitable education and training system which is relevant, of high quality and
is accessible to all learners, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, religion,
ability or language. A priority for both national and provincial education
departments is, therefore, the creation of a transformative, democratic, open
learning system, fostering in all its users, a strong commitment to lifelong learning
and development.
The curriculum framework serves as a strategic intervention designed to
facilitate and guide the development of a transformed education and training
system in a practicable and sustainable way. It takes as point of departure, that
successful modern economies and societies require citizens with a strong
foundation of general education, the desire and ability to continue to learn to adapt
to, and develop new knowledge, skills and technologies, to move flexibly between
occupations, to take responsibility for personal performance, to set and achieve
high standards, and to work cooperatively.
[Source: CURRICULUM 2005 Lifelong Learning for the 21st Century: A User's Guide.
http://www.polity.org.za/html/govdocs/misc/curr2005.html?rebookmark=1#Principles]
Education Goals
Educational goals are outcomes to be achieved by students at the end of a
particular period of time in school. While certain goals are universal and run
throughout the period some are specific to particular levels and times. This means
that a child will be facing different goals at different levels. The goals are the basic
elements in curriculum planning and should be clear and well articulated without
ambiguities. All these relate to human behaviour. In a country recovering from a civil
war, its key educational goals might be peace, developing self-confidence,
cooperation, responsible citizenship needed to overcome the existing conflicts.
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National Policies & Research and Best
Priorities Practices
Educational
Philosophy
Educational
Goals
Curriculum
Objectives
Instructional
Goals
Instructional Phase
Instructional
Objectives
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ACTIVITY
In 1990, the President of the United States and state governors issued
a list of six goals for the nation‟s schools which stated that by the year
2000:
all children in America will start school ready to learn
the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90%
American students will leave grades 4, 8 and 12 having
demonstrated competency in challenging subject mater
(English, mathematics, science , history and geography)
U.S students will be first in the world in science and
mathematics achievement
Every adult American will be literate and will possess the
knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global
economy and exercise the right and responsibilities of
citizenship
Every school in America will be free of drugs and violence
and
will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning
Curriculum Goals
A curriculum goal is a purpose or desired end stated in general terms. No time
period is specified when the goals must be reached. Neither is mention of the criteria
for achievement or mastery. Curriculum planners expect students to accomplish it as
a result of exposure to segments or all of a programme in a particular educational
institution. Goals provide direction for the curriculum.
For example:
“Students shall acquire knowledge and skills necessary for functioning as
good citizens in their own school and community”.
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“Schools should seek to promote the physical and emotional health of
students”
Curriculum Objectives
Curriculum objectives are derived from the curriculum goal. A curriculum
objective is a purpose or end stated in specific, measurable terms. It is a refinement of
the curriculum goals. They specify the performance standards for the students for
whom the curriculum is designed. From the curriculum goal; “Students shall acquire
knowledge and skills necessary for functioning on a daily basis, as good citizens in
their own school and community setting”; the following curriculum objectives can be
derived:
“The majority of students will obey the rules and regulations of the school”
“More than 80% of students will be involved in at least one voluntary activity”
Note how the curriculum objective refines the curriculum goal. Many curriculum
objectives can emanate from a single curriculum goal.
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ACTIVITY
Malaysian Primary School Science Curriculum
Curriculum Goal or Aim
Primary Science education aims to develop knowledgeable, skilful, thinking,
caring, dynamic and progressive individuals able to contribute towards the creation
of a society that practices science and technology culture, responsible towards the
environment and appreciative of nature and God‟s creations.
Instructional Goals
At the instructional phase, curriculum objectives are translated initially into
instructional goals. An instructional goal is a statement of performance expected of
each student in a class stated in general terms. It is the general intentions of a course
of instruction without criteria of achievement. For example, „Students will show an
understanding about the tropical rainforest‟. It indicates the performance expected; i.e.
“understand”, but the performance level or criteria is not stated. So it is not easily
measured. Instructional goals points the way to instructional objectives.
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Instructional Objectives
An instructional objective is a statement of performance to be demonstrated by
each student in a class. It is stated in a form that is measurable and observable. Other
names given for instructional objectives are specific instructional objectives, specific
learning outcomes, behavioural objectives performance objectives, and competencies.
An example of an instructional objective is: „At the end of the lesson students should
be able to describe five characteristics of the tropical rainforest‟. It is important that
you state clearly the instructional objectives you intend to achieve at the end of a
period of instruction. It determines the selection of content (textbook, the internet,
reference books), the teaching learning methods (lectures, practical sessions, group
discussions, self study, field visits) to be adopted, learning resources (audio-visual
aids, equipment, kits) you will utilise and how you intend to evaluate whether the
desired learning outcomes have been achieved. Let us examine in detail about
instructional objectives.
Instructional objectives are the learning outcomes desired and are of primary
importance in developing a curriculum. Objectives point to the appropriate content to
be selected, how teaching and learning is to be conducted and ways of assessing
performance in the subject. In the past the traditional description of a course simply
referred to content; i.e. what it was that the teacher would cover. There has, however,
been a shift in thinking about teaching and learning with learning and the learner now
seen to be of primary importance. Teaching then becomes the means of facilitating
learning in the learner.
In the teacher-centred approach, teaching is generally seen to be about the
transmission of knowledge. Focus is on what the teacher did, and goals of the subject
area were expressed in terms of the content which the teacher would transmit. In the
learner-centred approach, however, the focus is on what the learner does, and the
intentions of a subject area are usually expressed in terms of how the learner will be
changed as a result of learning that content. The statements describing the change in
student behaviour which should result from taking the course are known as "intended
learning objectives" or "intended learning outcomes"; "objectives" or "outcomes" for
short. Teaching then becomes a series of strategies which are devised in order to help
students achieve these objectives / outcomes. [You will notice that at the beginning of
each chapter in this course there is a list of learning outcomes or objectives].
In stating a instructional objective or learning outcome, active verbs are used
to indicate what it is that students must do in order to demonstrate learning. It is not
enough to say "yes, I understand that". But how do I know that you understand unless
you can demonstrate that you do. Here are some example of learning outcomes:
On completion of this 45 minute lesson on the tropical rainforest you should
be able to:
Define the terms: evergreen, humidity, buttress roots, canopy
Locate the distribution of the rainforest on a world map
Explain why there is little undergrowth in a rainforest
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ACTIVITY
The three taxonomies remain a useful conceptual tool for thinking about what
a body of content require students to do, and for thinking about how students should
be able to demonstrate their learning through their behaviour. It is valuable because it
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draws attention to the need to be clear about the complexity of intellectual tasks which
a subject might require to perform.
Application The ability to use learned material in new Apply, compute, demonstrate,
and concrete situations. This may include develop, employ, manipulate,
the application of such things as rules, modify, organise, produce, relate,
methods, concepts, principles, laws and transfer, discover
theories.
Synthesis The ability to put parts together to form a Categorise, combine, compile,
new whole. This may involve the compose, construct, create, design,
production of a unique communication devise, formulate, invent, generate,
(theme or speech), a plan of operations propose, rearrange, reconstruct,
(research proposal), or a set of abstract revise, rewrite, set up.
relations (scheme for classifying
information)
Evaluation The ability to judge the value of material Appraise, choose, compare,
(statement, novel, poem, research report) conclude, contrast, criticise,
for a given purpose. The judgements are decide, defend, discriminate,
to be based on definite criteria. These may justify, resolve, support, validate,
be internal criteria (organisation) or write a review.
external criteria (relevance to the purpose)
and the student may determine the criteria
or be given them.
Cognitive Domain
Bloom‟s taxonomy of the cognitive domain is perhaps the best known and
most widely used. It was published in 1956. It lists a person‟s observable and
unobservable intellectual abilities such as comprehending information, organising
ideas, and evaluating information and actions. It categorises the types of cognitive
learning outcomes that are featured at all levels of the curriculum. Bloom and his
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associated classified cognitive learnings in 6 major categories: knowledge,
comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation (see Table 5.1).
Valuing The students sees worth or value in what Accept, adopt, approve, complete,
is being learned or the activity being commit, desire, display, exhibit,
done. The student does not merely obey express, initiate, invite, prefer,
or complies but does so because he or share, study, work.
she is intrinsically motivated.
Organisation The student brings together many Adapt, alter, arrange, classify,
different values and attempt to resolve compare, defend, establish,
the conflicts between the value. Through generalise, integrate, modify,
this process he or she builds a value order, rank, synthesise.
system. He or she sees how new values
are related to existing values and tries to
establish a balance.
Characterisation The student internalises the values. In Act, behave, conform, devote,
other words, he or she adopts the values display, endure, exemplify,
as his or her own. The values function, maintain, practice,
internalised determines the behaviour of perform, uphold, use, influence.
the student. The behaviour is consistent
and predictable.
Affective Domain
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how we appreciate something, our enthusiasm for something, what motivates us to do
something and our attitudes towards something.
Psychomotor Domain
Manipulation The student continues to practice the skill [all the verbs for Imitation plus the
until it becomes habitual and can be following]: acquire, conduct, do,
performed with some confidence. The execute, operate, perform,
response is more complex but he or she is produce, progress, use, operate.
still not sure of himself or herself.
Precision The student attains the skill and [all the verbs for Imitation and
proficiency is indicated by a quick, Manipulation plus the following]:
smooth and accurate performance. The achieve, automatise, exceed, excel,
response is complex and performed master, reach, refine, surpass,
without hesitation. accomplish.
Articulation The student is involved at an even higher Adapt, change, alter, reorganise,
level of precision. The skill is well rearrange, revise.
developed. The student can adapt the skill
according to different requirements.
Naturalisation The skill is automatic and the student is Arrange, compose, refine, create,
able to experiment and create new ways of design, originate, transcend.
using the skill.
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. If you heading a project on developing a curriculum for a particular course or
subject, which of these 3 models of curriculum development would you adopt
to guide you? Why?
READINGS
Henchey, N. (1999). The new curriculum reform: what does it really mean?
McGill Journal of Education. Vol. 34. (3). p. 227. [available at ProQuest].
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