Curriculum

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.      What is meant by the term curriculum? The term curriculum describes the goals, objectives, and plans which implements the materials, methods, and assessment strategies. Since each of these components is essential for effective learning, it allows students to become excelling leaners based on the curriculum designs. In addition, these specified guidelines utilize the curriculum universally to fit each child’s educational needs. (Doll, 1996).

 

2.      What is the relationship between curriculum and instruction? The relationship between curriculum and instruction is obviously a very close one. Curriculum is essentially a design for learning focusing on knowledge and skills that are important to learn. Instruction explores the learning that will be achieved. Meeting the needs of the 21st century learner and achievement outcomes describes the anticipated framework of the students (Moore, 2002).

 

3.      What are the bases for curriculum planning? Suggested by Doll, the eight step approach is based on:

·         Assess Needs

·         Set Goals

·         Articulate Objectives

·         Identify Evaluation Methods

·         Choose Design

·         Select Content

·         Create Learning Experiences

·         Evaluate Effectiveness

 

4.      What criteria can be used to plan, develop, & implement curricula?

1. Utility: Can knowledge or skill significantly enhance long-term educational prospects?

2. Social Responsibility: Will the content help students participate in making social and educational decisions?

3. Intrinsic Value of the Knowledge: Does the content have pervasive cultural or historical significance?

4. Philosophical Value: Does the content help individuals consider the effectiveness of questions?

5. Childhood Enrichment: Will the content enhance the unique experiences and values of childhood?

(Doll, 1996)

 

5.      How do values influence curriculum planning? The belief of a strong nation can nurture and enable the potential of all of its citizens leading to the inclusion of culturally diversified curricular content. Since values influence what information will be included in the curriculum content (Nelson, 2011).

 

6.      What are some of the strongest challenges in meeting the needs for curriculum and the future? The strongest challenges towards meeting the needs of the curriculum pertaining to the classroom, includes the components based on defining the school’s philosophy, using classroom inquiry and action research, dedicated to ongoing teacher education, promoting excellence, designing an integrative curriculum, monitoring the students progress, and acknowledging future direction in education (Wiles & Bondi, 2011).

 

Doll, R. (1996). Curriculum Improvement: decision making and
process. (Ninth edition). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn &
Bacon.

Moore, K. (2002). Helping teachers build a challenging but
achievable curriculum [Electronic version]. Scholastic Early
Childhood Today, 16, 5, 7-8.

Nelson, G. (2001). Choosing content that s worth knowing
[Electronic version]. Educational Leadership, 59, 2, 12-16.

Wiles, J., & Bondi, J. (2011). Curriculum development: A guide to practice. (8th ed., pp. 51-55). New York, NY: Merill Publishing.