Objective Models of Curriculum Design

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The document discusses models of curriculum design, including the objectives model. It describes the objectives model as having four main steps: 1) agreeing on broad aims which are analyzed …

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Ayesha Ahmed
  • Introduction
  • The Objectives Model
  • The Idea of Curriculum
  • Content, Material, Methodology
  • Evaluation

Models of Curriculum Design

Introduction

Curriculum design is a complex but


systematic process. This unit describes a
variety of models of curriculum design in
order to make this complex activity
understandable and manageable. It is
important for you as a teacher to
understand how the curriculum you are
using in your school was designed.

Objectives

After completing this unit, you should be


able to:

1. Discuss various models of curriculum


design.

2. Compare curriculum design models.

3. Explain steps in curriculum design in


relation to models of curriculum.

Content

This unit covers the objective models of curriculum


design:
 The objectives model.
The Objectives Model

The objectives model of curriculum design contains


content that is based on specific objectives. These
objectives should specify expected learning
outcomes in terms of specific measurable behaviors.

This model comprises four main steps:


 Agreeing on broad aims which are analyzed into
objectives.
 Constructing a curriculum to achieve these
objectives.
 Refining the curriculum in practice by testing
its capacity to achieve its objectives.
 Communicating the curriculum to the teachers
through the conceptual framework of the
objectives. (Gatawa, 1990: 30)

Objectives Model
1. Curriculum Idea

4. Evaluation 2. Objectives

3. Content
Material
Methodology
1. The Idea of Curriculum:-

The idea of curriculum is hardly new but the way


we understand and theories’ about it has altered
over the years, and there remains considerable
dispute as to meaning.

Curriculum is the outline of concepts to be taught


to students to help them meet the content
standards. Curriculum is what is taught in a given
course or subject. Curriculum refers to an
interactive system of instruction and learning with
specific goals, contents, strategies, measurement,
and resources.

Curriculum construction is a specialized area of


work which expects a teacher to have a deep
understanding of the underlying concept of
curriculum and also the skill to systematically
design learning experiences to achieve the socially
desired goals set by the society we live in.

2. OBJECTIVES:-
For day-to-day teaching purposes, aims must be
turned into specific teaching objectives. These
objectives are not a list of things to learn, they are
not a syllabus (in the accepted sense of the
term)and they say nothing about the teaching
approach. Objectives show what a student should
be able to do as a result of a learning experience.
1. They specify the kind of behaviors which will be
accepted as evidence that the learner has
achieved the objective.

2. They describe the important conditions under


which the behaviors will be expected to occur.

3. They describe how well the learner must perform


to have his behaviors considered acceptable.

3. Content, Material, Methodology :-

Whenever we design a curriculum, the content we


choose to put in that curriculum is based on the
objectives. For example if we are making curriculum
for English subject then objectives for English
subject would be decided. And also teaching
methodology choose according to the objective.

4. Evaluation:-

The process of assessment is critical as it begins with


objective of educational program. The process of
evaluation is essentially the process of determining to
what extend the educational objectives are.
Evaluation is done at each stage of the curriculum
design. The curriculum should be discussed with the
teachers as they can help them in evaluation. The
teachers know their students well then, the
curriculum developers as they interact with them
more. The teachers can evaluate the curriculum as
well as help in the development also. It will help in
determining whether the curriculum is reliable and
useable or it needs any changed.

Common questions

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Content and teaching methodology are pivotal in achieving curriculum objectives as the chosen content should align with objectives, and the methodology should effectively deliver the content to realize those objectives . When aligned, these elements ensure a coherent educational experience that maximizes student engagement and learning outcomes. Misalignment, however, can lead to inefficiencies where students are taught material that doesn't effectively contribute to meeting objectives or where methodologies hinder engagement and understanding .

Teachers' involvement in curriculum evaluation is crucial because they have direct interaction with students and understand their needs and learning styles better than curriculum developers . Their feedback can provide insights into what works and what doesn't in practical settings, helping evolve and refine the curriculum to improve its reliability and usability. By cooperating in this process, teachers ensure the curriculum meets the desired educational objectives and adapt it as necessary to fit classroom dynamics .

Different models of curriculum design cater to varying societal educational needs by emphasizing different aspects, such as predefined objectives, learner experiences, or content. For instance, the objectives model focuses on measurable outcomes crucial in societies valuing standardization and accountability . In contrast, other models may focus on student-centered approaches, reflecting sociocultural constructivist principles that align with societies valuing individualization and creativity . The implications for global educational consistency are complex; while some alignment can be achieved in shared subjects like math or science through globally recognized standards, societal values and resources significantly influence curriculum design, resulting in broad educational diversity and challenges in achieving uniform educational quality and equity worldwide .

Specific objectives in curriculum design delineate the expected learning outcomes through measurable behaviors. They provide a framework within which educational success can be defined; if a student demonstrates the behaviors described by the objectives under specified conditions, this is taken as evidence of learning achievement . This clarity enables both teachers and students to focus on clear targets, fostering directed learning and facilitating easy assessment of educational progress .

Clearly defined objectives are essential for effective communication of the curriculum to teachers as they provide a clear roadmap of expected outcomes, thus guiding instructional planning and delivery . This clarity helps in aligning teaching strategies with desired educational goals, thereby improving the probability of achieving intended educational outcomes. It supports teachers in selecting appropriate materials and methods to address specific learning targets and facilitates consistent evaluation and assessment practices .

The relationship between content selection and educational objectives in curriculum design is crucial because the content chosen must directly support the attainment of those objectives. If the selected content does not map closely to the pre-determined objectives, gaps can occur in students' learning experiences, potentially leaving objectives unmet and thus impacting overall educational effectiveness . This alignment ensures that every component of instruction remains focused on delivering key outcomes and maximizes resource utilization and learner engagement .

The objectives model of curriculum design focuses on establishing specific, measurable learning outcomes, which distinctly differ from other models that may prioritize content or learner experience without explicit outcome measurement. This model involves agreeing on broad aims, constructing curriculum to meet these objectives, refining the curriculum through practice, and ensuring clear communication of objectives to teachers . The impact on implementation is significant; teachers have clear guidelines and measurable goals to target, which aids in consistent delivery and assessment. However, it may limit flexibility in teaching approach or content adaptability compared to models that allow more responsiveness to student needs and interests .

Curriculum refinement in practice involves testing and adjusting the curriculum to better meet its objectives. This iterative process allows educators to identify what components effectively facilitate learning and which do not, enabling modifications that enhance educational delivery and outcomes . Challenges include the need for ongoing evaluation and feedback collection, which may require significant time and resources, and the potential resistance to change from those involved in delivering the curriculum .

The curriculum design process mirrors educational theories by embedding specific approaches to teaching and learning that are aligned with theoretical perspectives like constructivism or behaviorism. Furthermore, it reflects wider societal goals by incorporating skills and knowledge that are deemed essential for societal functioning and progression, such as critical thinking, literacy, and numeracy . The objectives embedded within curriculum design illustrate societal values and expectations for its future members, and they guide the inclusion of content that is culturally and contextually relevant .

A highly objective-focused curriculum design emphasizes clear, measurable goals, which aids in focused instruction and precise assessment, leading to potentially improved educational outcomes . In contexts where standardization is vital, such as standardized testing environments, this model can ensure consistency and objectivity in education delivery. However, disadvantages in less structured environments could include reduced flexibility and creativity, potentially hampering teachers' ability to adapt lessons to diverse learning styles or emerging interests. Moreover, excessive emphasis on measurable objectives might neglect important but less quantifiable educational goals such as critical thinking or creativity .

Models of Curriculum Design 
 
 
Introduction 
 
Curriculum design is a complex but 
systematic process. This unit describes
The Objectives Model 
 
The objectives model of curriculum design contains 
content that is based on specific objectives. The
1.
The Idea of Curriculum:-
The idea of curriculum is hardly new but the way 
we understand and theories’ about it has altere
1. They specify the kind of behaviors which will be 
accepted as evidence that the learner has 
achieved the objective.
2. Th
more. The teachers can evaluate the curriculum as 
well as help in the development also. It will help in 
determining whether

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