CHAPTER 1

MODULE 2

LESSON 2.4
FOUNDATIONS OF CURRICULUM
Curriculum development is anchored on a very solid
foundation. Although considered to be a new discipline, its
significance in the light of global developments has now been
acknowledged.
PHILOSOPHICAL ASPECTS
- Educators, teachers, educational planners and policy
makers must have a philosophy or strong belief about
education and schooling and the kind of classrooms or
learning environment.

- Philosophy of the curriculum answer questions like.

 What are schools for?
 What subjects are important?
 How should students learn?
 What methods should be used?
 What outcomes to be achieved? Why?

Philosophies & Philosophers

A. PERENNIALISM
 Aim: To educate the rational person; cultivate intellect
 Role: Teachers assist students to think with reason
(critical thinking, HOTS)
 Focus: Classical Subjects, literary analysis
 Trends: Use of Great Books (Bible, Koran, Classics)

Aristotle, Plato, Thomas Aquinas

 B. ESSENTIALISM

William Bagley (1874 – 1946)

Aim: To promote intellectual growth of learners
to become competent
Role: Teachers are sole authorities in the
subject area
Focus: Essential skills, essential subjects of the 3R’s
Trends: Back to basics, excellence in education, cultural literacy

C. PROGRESSIVISM
 Aim: To promote democratic social living
 Role: Teacher leads for growth and development of life long
learners
 Focus: Interdisciplinary subjects, Learner centered,
outcomes-based
 Trends: Equal opportunities for all, contextualized
curriculum, Humanistic education

John Dewey (1859-1952)

D. RECONSTRUCTIONISM
 Aim: To improve and reconstruct society. Education for
change.
 Role: Teacher acts as agent of change and reforms
 Focus: Present and future educational landscape
 Trends: School and curricular reforms, Global Education,
Collaboration and Convergence, Standards and
Competencies

Theodore Brameld (1904-1987)