

Note that the issues raised in planning are related to those highlighted in curriculum theory. What should be the relationship between the various components of the curriculum?.Thus, it deals with seeking key answers to crucial questions such as: Curriculum PlanningĬurriculum planning can be viewed as the process of gathering, selecting, balancing, and synthesizing relevant information from many sources to design those experiences that will assist the learner to attain the goals of education (Glen, Hass, 1980).Ĭurriculum planning is the thinking or conception stage of the curriculum development process. The theory used is reflected in the product, i.e. It helps in guiding the planning process and then the curriculum development. Hence, they describe and explain from a critical perspective.Ĭurriculum theory is, therefore, important for planning curriculum. Thus, curriculum theory provides educators with a critical perspective about society and its schools. What then are the functions of a theory? Most philosophers of science argue that theory has three legitimate purposes: In other words, it is a way of seeing ‘things’ or guiding principles for curriculum. who controls its selection and distribution, and.It gives justification for practices in curriculum.Īccording to Urevbu (1990), a curriculum theory provides practical guidance as to: 36-38 Scope of Curriculum StudiesĬurriculum studies incorporate a variety of processes including:Ĭurriculum Theory What Is Curriculum Theory?Ĭurriculum theory refers to a set of related statements that give meaning to school curriculum by pointing out the relationships among its elements and directing its development, its use, and its evaluation. What are the advantages and disadvantages of adopting a commercial curriculum?įrom Curriculum Studies, pp.What is involved in writing a good curriculum?.Why are stakeholders important in the curriculum development process?.How can a needs assessment inform the curriculum development process?.How can curriculum theory be helpful in the curriculum development process?.What processes are involved in the scope of curriculum studies?.This is followed by the implementation of the curriculum and its evaluation. Once the curriculum developers decide what is to be taught, who is to be taught, and who is in control of what the content of the curriculum is, the process can proceed to the planning and development stage. The scope of curriculum studies encompasses the theory, planning, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum. “If the curriculum is perceived as a plan for the learning experiences that young people encounter under the direction of the school, its purpose is to provide a vehicle for ordering and directing those experiences.”
