Philosophical Foundations of Curriculum Development
Philosophical Foundations of Curriculum
The educational objectives that learners are to achieve depend on the philosophy of education adhered to by the teachers. The learner’s philosophy also adds input into the curriculum. Pressures from the community also modify philosophical thinking pertaining to teaching-learning situations. Different schools of philosophy, like idealism, realism, existentialism, and experimentalism, all have unique objectives for learners to acquire.
Idealism and Curriculum
To an idealist, ideas are more important than materialistic things. A good teacher can communicate ideas effectively to pupils. Mental and intellectual development of pupils is of utmost importance. Each pupil should have access to good education in liberal arts and should acquire vital skills like reading, writing, listening, and speaking. A comprehensive study of history, geography, science, art, music, literature, and mathematics must be suitably emphasized in the curriculum.
Realism and Curriculum
Realists believe that an individual may know reality as it truly is. One does not merely obtain ideas pertaining to the natural or social environment, but each person may actually see, feel, taste, touch, and smell that which is real. The natural or social environment, as it exists, imprints itself upon the mind of the observer. Science and mathematics are two vital curriculum areas for a curriculum adhering to realism as a philosophy of education.
Experimentalism and Curriculum
Experimentalists believe in experience as representing ultimate reality. One can know that which is experienced in the here and now. What is true today may not be true tomorrow is a key generalization emphasized by experimentalists. Since changes exist in society, new problems arise. These problems need to be identified and solved. The solutions are tentative and subjected to testing in actual life situations. Problem-solving objectives being highly significant, the curriculum should assign such methodologies.
Existentialism and Curriculum
Existentialists say that complete freedom needs to exist for pupils in deciding what to learn (the objectives) and how to learn (activities and experience). Young learners need more assistance in learning as compared to older pupils. The existentialist teacher attempts to develop a learning environment where pupils increasingly make decisions to determine their destinies. Each pupil as a human being needs to make choices. The curriculum should be child-centered.
Culture and Curriculum
As the basic philosophy of education is that of preserving culture and civilization, the subjects which convey the knowledge and understanding of culture should be included. It should create in the learner/individual a sense of dignity. Thus, a comprehensive and wholesome curriculum should have languages, social sciences, arithmetic, biology, science, literature, and subjects promoting vocational efficiency. Curriculum organized must be more functional and application-oriented.