MAJOR FOUNDATIONS OF CURRICULUM

M.T. 31401418

CURRICULUM

PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION OF

CURRICULUM

PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATION OF

CURRICULUM

HISTORICAL FOUNDATION OF

CURRICULUM

SOCIAL FOUNDATION

OF CURRICULUM

HISTORICAL FOUNDATION OF CURRICULUM:

The history of one’s country can affect its educational system and the kind of

curriculum it has.

Franklin Bobbit (1876-1956) presented curriculum as a science that emphasizes on students' need. Curriculum prepares learners for adult life.

Werret Charters (1875-1952) considered curriculum also as a science which is based on students' need and the teachers plan the activities.

Harold Rugg (1886-1960) Curriculum should develop the whole child. He emphasized social studies in the curriculum and the teacher plans the lesson in advance.

Hollis Caswell (1901-1989) sees curriculum as organized around social functions of themes, organized knowledge and learner's interests.

Ralph Tyler (1902-1994) believes that curriculum is a science and an extension of school's philosophy.

PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATION OF CURRICULUM

Psychology provides information about the teaching and learning process. It also seeks answers as to how a curriculum be organized in order to achieve students’ learning at the optimum level, and as to what amount of information they can absorb in learning the various contents of the curriculum.

Three major groups of learning theories:

Behaviorists Psychology - consider that learning should be organized in order that students can experience success in the process of mastering the subject matter.

Cognitive Psychology - focus their attention on how individuals process information and how the monitor and manage thinking.

Humanistic Psychology - concerned with how learners can develop their human potential.

PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION OF CURRICULUM

Four Educational Philosophies:PerennialismEssentialismProgressivism

Reconstructionism

Perennialism:Aim of Education – To educate the rational person; to

cultivate the intellect.Role of Education – Teachers help students think with

reason.Focus in the Curriculum – Classical subjects, literary

analysis and curriculum constant.Curriculum Trends – Use of great books and return to

liberal.

Essentialism: Aim of Education – To promote the intellectual growth of the

individual and educate a competent person. Role of Education – The teacher is the sole authority in his or

her subject area or field of specialization. Focus in the Curriculum – Essential skills of the 3 R’s and

essential subjects. Curriculum Trends – Excellence in education, back to basics

and cultural literacy.

Progressivism: Aim of Education – To promote democratic and social living. Role of Education – Knowledge leads to growth and

development of lifelong learners who actively learn by doing. Focus in the Curriculum – Subjects are interdisciplinary,

integrative and interactive. Curriculum is focused on students’ interest, human problems and affairs.

Curriculum Trends – School reforms, relevant and contextualized curriculum, humanistic education.

Reconstructionism: Aim of Education – To improve and reconstruct society.

Education for change. Role of Education – Teachers act as agents of change and

reform in various educational projects including research. Focus in the Curriculum – Focus on present and future trends

and issues of national and international interest. Curriculum Trends – Equality of educational opportunities in

education, access to global education.

SOCIAL FOUNDATION OF CURRICULUM

There is a mutual and encompassing relationship between society and curriculum because the school exists within the societal context. Though schools are formal institutions that educate the people, there are other units of society that educate or influence the way people think, such as families and friends as well as communities.

Schools exist within the social context. Schools are not only institutions that can educate people

in the society.Schools are made to help to understand the changes

globalization brings.The relationship of curriculum and society is mutual and

encompassing.