Category Archives: Advance Curriculum theory ( Secondary level)

Wiles and Bondi- 1989 Model

Wiles and Bondi’s Curriculum Assessment Model was developed by Dr. Jon Wiles and Dr. Joseph Bondi, who are both renowned educational researchers and professors.

The model was first introduced in their book “Curriculum Development: A Guide to Practice,” which has been widely used by educators and curriculum developers as a resource for curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation.

Wiles and Bondi’s curriculum assessment model is a comprehensive framework designed to evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum development and implementation. The model consists of four stages: planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

  1. Planning: In this stage, educators determine the purpose and goals of the curriculum, identify the learning objectives, and develop instructional strategies to meet these objectives.
  2. Implementation: Once the curriculum has been planned, it is time to implement it. During this stage, educators prepare the necessary resources and materials and implement the curriculum in the classroom.
  3. Monitoring: In this stage, educators monitor the progress of students as they engage with the curriculum. They collect data to determine whether the curriculum is meeting its goals and objectives.
  4. Evaluation: In the final stage, educators use the data collected during the monitoring stage to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum. They identify areas of strength and weakness, make necessary adjustments, and implement changes to improve the curriculum.

Overall, Wiles and Bondi’s curriculum assessment model provides a structured approach for evaluating the effectiveness of curriculum development and implementation. It helps educators identify areas of improvement and make data-driven decisions to enhance student learning outcomes.

Also read : Hilda Taba model

Some of the key features of the model include:

  1. A focus on planning: The model focuses on the importance of planning in curriculum development, encouraging educators to define clear goals and objectives for teaching and learning.
  2. A cyclical process: The model is designed as a cyclical process that includes planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation stages. This cycle allows educators to continually assess the effectiveness of their curriculum and make necessary adjustments to improve student outcomes.
  3. A data-driven approach: The model emphasizes the importance of data in evaluating the effectiveness of the curriculum. Educators are encouraged to collect data on student performance and use this information to make informed decisions about curriculum design and implementation.
  4. A collaborative approach: The model promotes collaboration among educators, administrators, and other stakeholders in the curriculum development process. This collaboration helps to ensure that the curriculum is aligned with the needs of students and the broader community.
  5. A flexible framework: The model can be used in different educational contexts and curricula, making it an effective tool for curriculum developers and educators. It can be used in a variety of settings, from K-12 schools to higher education institutions.

Overall, the features of Wiles and Bondi’s Curriculum Assessment Model make it a valuable resource for educators and curriculum developers.

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Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in Europe in the 20th century, particularly after World War II. It emphasizes individual freedom, authenticity, and choice.

At the heart of existentialism is the belief that individuals must create their own meaning and purpose in life, rather than relying on external factors such as religion or society. Existentialism emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility, as individuals are responsible for their own choices and actions.

Also read: Pragmatism

Some key themes in existentialism include:

  1. Authenticity: It stresses the importance of being true to oneself and one’s own values, rather than conforming to external expectations or societal norms.
  2. Freedom: Existentialism emphasizes the individual’s freedom to make choices and create their own path in life, even in the face of difficult or challenging circumstances.
  3. Anxiety: It recognizes that the freedom to make choices can also lead to anxiety and uncertainty, as individuals must take responsibility for their own lives and accept the consequences of their choices.
  4. Existential angst: The existentialist perspective often involves a sense of alienation or isolation from the world and a sense of despair or anxiety about the human condition.
  5. Existential crisis: It recognizes that individuals may experience a crisis of meaning or purpose, and must confront the question of whether life has any inherent meaning or value.

Overall, existentialism is a complex and multifaceted philosophy that emphasizes individual freedom, responsibility, and the creation of one’s own meaning and purpose in life. It has had a significant influence on literature, psychology, and other fields.

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Naturalist Curriculum Theory

Naturalist curriculum theory is an educational approach that emphasizes the importance of connecting students with nature and the natural world.

Basis of this Theory :

The theory is based on the idea that humans have an innate connection to the environment, and that learning through direct experience in nature can be more meaningful and effective than traditional classroom instruction.

The naturalist curriculum theory focuses on creating learning opportunities that involve direct experiences with nature, such as outdoor exploration, field trips, and hands-on activities like gardening and nature observation.

Some of the key features of this theory include:

  1. Learning through direct experience: The naturalist curriculum theory emphasizes the importance of hands-on, experiential learning in natural environments. Students are encouraged to observe, explore, and interact with the natural world to gain a deeper understanding of the environment.
  2. Ecological literacy: The theory stresses the importance of ecological literacy, which includes understanding the interdependence of living things and the environment, and the impact of human actions on ecosystems. Students are taught to think critically about environmental issues and to develop a sense of responsibility for environmental stewardship.
  3. Emphasis on holistic learning: This theory focuses on the importance of holistic learning and integrating knowledge and skills from different subject areas and applying them to real-world situations. This approach promotes a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of different disciplines and the relevance of learning to daily life.
  4. Connection to community: The theory emphasizes the importance of connecting students with their local communities and the natural environments. This can help students develop a sense of place and a connection to the natural world.
  5. Use of technology: While the naturalist curriculum theory emphasizes learning through direct experience in nature, it also acknowledges the importance of technology in modern society. Technology can be used to enhance learning and support scientific inquiry and exploration in natural environments.

Overall, this theory is one of several educational approaches that aim to promote experiential learning. It has been influential in shaping environmental education programs around the world.

Also read: Pragmatism
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Issues and Trends in Curriculum Development

Issues and trends in curriculum development refer to the challenges and changes that impact the creation, design, and implementation of educational curricula. Some of the current issues and trends in curriculum development include:

  1. Technology integration: As technology continues to advance, it is important to incorporate it into the curriculum to prepare students for the future job market.
  2. Inclusive education: The need to design curricula that are inclusive of all students, including those with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds, has become a growing trend in curriculum development.
  3. Personalized learning: The shift towards personalized learning, which allows students to tailor their learning experience to their individual needs and interests, is gaining momentum.
  4. Global education: Preparing students for a global society is another trend in curriculum development, which includes the incorporation of global issues, cultural awareness, and language learning.
  5. Social-emotional learning: The importance of addressing students’ social and emotional needs is increasingly being recognized, and curriculum developers are incorporating social-emotional learning into their curricula.
  6. Environmental education: The need to educate students about environmental issues and sustainable practices is also a growing trend in curriculum development.
  7. Career readiness: Preparing students for their future careers is a critical issue, and curricula are being developed with a focus on job skills, internships, and vocational training.
  8. Assessment and evaluation: Effective assessment and evaluation of student learning outcomes are crucial for ensuring that the curriculum is meeting its intended goals and objectives.
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Overall, the key issues and trends in curriculum development are focused on creating a more holistic and inclusive educational experience that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Issues and Trends in Curriculum Development
Also Read: Factors affecting Curriculum change

Pragmatism

Pragmatism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the practical application of ideas and the importance of experience in shaping knowledge. Some of the key features of pragmatism include:

  1. Empiricism: Pragmatism emphasizes the importance of experience and observation in gaining knowledge. It views knowledge as something that is constantly evolving and that is shaped by our experiences.
  2. Instrumentalism: Pragmatism sees ideas and theories as tools or instruments for solving practical problems. Ideas should be judged based on their usefulness in solving real-world problems.
  3. Focus on the action: Pragmatism values action and experimentation as a way to learn and improve. It emphasizes the importance of taking risks and testing ideas in practice.
  4. Flexibility: It views knowledge and ideas as flexible and adaptable, and not as fixed or absolute truths. It encourages people to be open to new ideas and to be willing to revise their beliefs based on new evidence.
  5. Interdisciplinary approach: Pragmatism recognizes the interconnectedness of different fields of study and encourages an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. It values the input of multiple perspectives and sees problems as complex and multifaceted.
  6. Democracy: Pragmatism values democracy and sees it as a way to solve problems through dialogue, negotiation, and compromise. It encourages people to work together to find solutions that work for everyone.

Overall, pragmatism is a philosophy that emphasizes the practical application of ideas and the importance of experience in shaping knowledge. It values flexibility, experimentation, and an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving, and sees democracy as a key value in society.

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Pragmatism views education as a process of problem-solving and emphasizes the importance of experiential learning. This means that students should be actively engaged in the learning process and have opportunities to apply what they have learned in real-world situations. Pragmatism also values interdisciplinary learning, as it recognizes that many problems require multiple perspectives to solve.

In the context of curriculum theory, pragmatism suggests that the curriculum should be designed with a focus on practical skills and knowledge that are relevant to the needs of society. This means that the curriculum should be flexible and adaptable, as the needs of society and the job market are constantly changing. It also values the input of stakeholders, such as employers and community members, in the development of the curriculum.

Overall, this approach emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and skills, the importance of experiential learning, and the need for a flexible and adaptable curriculum that meets the needs of society.

Also Read: Factors influencing Curriculum Change