Approaches to Curriculum Design free essay sample

The common approaches to curriculum design include child or learner-centered, subject-centered and problem-centered approaches. Child or Learner-Centered Approach Child or Learner-centered approach places the child at the center of education. It begins with understanding the educational contexts from which a child comes. It continues with the teacher evaluating the childs progress towards learning objectives. The curriculum is constructed based on the needs, interest, purposes and abilities of the learners. Teachers attempt to maximize student productivity, knowledge acquisition, skills augmentation and development of personal and professional abilities. Teachers may use a variety of instructional tools and methods, as well as flexible arrangements of time and place. This design considers the following: 1. A new respect for the child is fundamental. 2. A new freedom of action is provided. 3. The whole activity is divided into units of work. 4. The recognition of the need for using and exploring many media for self-discovery and self-direction is embraced. We will write a custom essay sample on Approaches to Curriculum Design or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Subject-centered Approach This approach prescribes different and separate subjects into one broad field. The characteristics of the subject-matter, and the procedures, conceptual structures or relationships which are found within or among the subject-matter, dictate the kinds of activities that will be selected. Curriculum makers who are developing a curriculum organized around a given subject-area; will look at the facts, concepts, and skills related to, or encompassed by, that subject area, and plan activities that will lead learners from their prior experiences into mastery of the elements of the subject area. This approach considers the following: ?The primary focus is the subject matter. ?The emphasis is on bits and pieces of information which are detached from life. ?The continuing pursuit of learning outside the school is not emphasized. Learning should only take place inside the classroom. ?The subject matter serves as a means of identifying problems in living. Problem-centered Approach The world where the learners live and will work in will require them to gather, organize, and interpret data in the process of finding solutions to complex problems. It would seem only logical to provide a classroom setting where they will face similar issues. In the real world, the problems they face will not be ones for which they are selecting answers from a set of multiple choices. This approach assumes that in the process of living, children experience problems. Thus, problem solving enables the learners to become increasingly able to achieve complete or total development as individuals. This approach is characterized by the following views and beliefs: ?The learners are capable of directing and guiding themselves in resolving problems, thus they become independent learners. ?The learners are prepared to assume their civic responsibilities through direct participation in different activities. ?The curriculum leads the learners in the recognition of concerns and problems and in seeking solutions. The learners are considered problem solvers.