Major Foundations of Curriculum

• Philosophical Foundations
• Psychological Foundations
• Sociological Foundations
• Historical Foundations

What is Curriculum?
Curriculum is a standards-based sequence of planned experience
where student practice and achieve proficiency in content and applied
learning skills.

Philosophical Foundation of Curriculum

• Philosophy is at the heart of curriculum development. It helps educators in formulating beliefs,
arguments and assumptions and in making value judgments.
• Philosophy and Education are two sides of the same coin. Education is the dynamic side of
philosophy. Education is practical in nature and philosophy is theory.

4 Major Philosophies of Philosophical Foundation

Idealism
• Aims in Education
To discover the develop each individual’s abilities
and full moral excellence in order to better serve
society.
• Role of Education
Educators serve as mentors and guides, fostering student
intellectual and moral growth.
• Focus in the Curriculum
Aiming to cultivate students critical thinking appreciation for beauty and moral reasoning.

Realism
• Aims in Education
To provide students with a practical understanding of the world and prepare them for life in
society.
• Role of Education
Education transmitting knowledge and skills essential for success in various domains, such as
science, mathematics and history.
• Focus in the Curriculum
Focus on equip student with practical skills and
knowledge applicable in real-world contents.

Pragmatism
• Aims in Education
Develop learners’ ability to deal with future problem.
• Role of Education
Educators play a role in facilitating hands-on experiences.
• Focus in the Curriculum
Focus on learning project-based activities and real-world applications of knowledge.

Existentialism
 • Aims in Education
To empower individuals to create meaning in their lives
and take ownership of their choice
• Role of Education
Educations serves as a means of self-discovery and personal growth.
• Focus in the Curriculum
Focus on existential theme such as freedom, choice and authenticity, and meaning-making.

Two Categories of Educational Philosophies

Modern and Traditional Philosophies

Modern Philosophies

Progressivism
• Aims of Education
To Promote democratic social living.
• Role of Education
The teacher is a guide for problem- solving and science inquiry.
• Focus in the curriculum
Involves the application of human problems and affairs.

Reconstructionism
• Aims of Education
To improved and reconstruct society education for change.t
• Role of Education
Teacher serves as an agent of change and reform.
• Focus in the curriculum
Focus on emphasis on social science and social research methods.

Perennialism
• Aim of Education
Educate the rational person, to cultivate the intellect.
• Role of Education
The teacher helps student think with reason.
• Focus in the Curriculum
Classical subjects, literacy analysis and curriculum is constant.

Essentialism
• Aim of Education
To promote the intellectual growth of the individual and educate a competent person.
• Role of education
The teacher is an authority in his/her subject field.
• Focus in the Curriculum
Essential skills (three Rs-reading writing and arithmetic

Psychological Foundation

Behaviorist Psychology
• Learning should be organized in order that students can experience success in the process of
mastering the subject matter.
Cognitive Psychology
 • Focus on how individuals process information and how the monitor and manage thinking.
• Learning constitutes a logical method for organizing and interpreting learning.

Humanistic Psychology
• Concerned with how learners can develop their human potential; the process not the products;
personal needs not subject matter.

References
https://oer.pressbooks.pub/curriculumessentials/chapter/philosophical-foundations-of-curriculum/

https://www.academia.edu/6722853/Philosophical_and_Psychological_Foundations_of_Curriculum

https://www.scribd.com/document/436294603/Philosophical-Foundation-of-Education?
fbclid=IwAR2mW6KKE3hy4tkJ5Yo4B8A3XE7Fimb--b0fhpYSivbpUfgflJ7DmoBVBp4

Submitted by

JANNE POLLENE J. CASIDO

MAED Student