Essay Sample on Curriculum Development

Introduction

A curriculum is the engine of every learning institution in that a school cannot run without a well-established and organized curriculum. The current society is still in the process of gradual transition meaning the curriculum is a dynamic process that requires to be addressed multiple times. In its broadest definition, it can be defined as the total learning experience that is essential for students not only in school but also in the society (Glathom et al, 2018). The primary aim of the essay is to define curriculum development and identify the criteria used by the curriculum search committee in justifying and supporting existing sections within the curriculum.

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Curriculum Development

The development of curriculum is explained as the purposeful, planned systematic and progressive process utilized in the creation of positive improvements within the school's system. In the past children were taught skills and knowledge that would enable them to survive by hunting or gathering for food. They lacked access to formal education but learned a lot of skills and knowledge through the existing curriculum at that time, the saber-tooth curriculum. As the society embraced change education became formal, and the curriculum development process evolved gradually.

Importance of Curriculum Development

Curriculum development affects not only the school but also societal development in general. It lays a vital role in economic development and provides essential answers and solutions to pressing issues and conditions such as socioeconomics and politics. Higher education curriculum plays a significant role in sustaining the states national identity and promoting stability and growth (Glathom et al, 2018). For example, the president of the Philippines intends to make the country Asia's tourist hub; then the school curriculum needs to conform to the objective. Innovative programs result in an increase in income as the number of students enrolling increases. The pay can be utilized to fund development, research and the construction of facilities within schools.

Criteria for Curriculum Development

A school system is dependent on curriculum development to improve the way of life of its students within the school and the economy of the society. As a result, the curriculum search committee is required to work hand in hand with local leaders and curriculum experts to ascertain the correct criteria for developing a curriculum (Parkay et al, 2014). While identifying the criteria the committee is required to ensure that it complies with the principle of being crucial and should stand alone as a critical and decisive criterion.

While configuring a curriculum, the search committee should ensure that the curriculum exhibits a clear statement of the school's mission through provided information. To achieve this, the committee is required to clearly state the roles and duties for all groups and individuals in assigned curricular areas. They should also ensure that all assigned tasks are well defined and understood by their respective individuals and groups.

The team is required to adopt a well-organized strategy during curriculum planning with the aim of establishing a task sequence and timetable that will be used for evaluating and designing curriculum. The schedule should cover all aspects within the school including the main aims and objectives as well as the methods of implementation.

The programs should also ensure the provision of required administrative expedients essential for its development such as physical facilities, clerical help and released time allowing the school's system to be determined by the program rather than vice versa. Individualism is also encouraged. For example, as an individual's school, its system is responsible for the planning and basic operational units for the improvement of the curriculum (Parkay et al, 2014). Therefore, the central office plays a significant role in aiding and motivating the entire staff to develop curricula that conform to their pupils and the society. Provisions should also be made making it easier for the committee to consider proposals for the development of the curriculum which can emerge from any department or individual within the school's system. It's also advisable that groups of citizens should also take part in the development of objectives within the curriculum.

Biblical Worldview

The Christian worldview has also played a significant role in school systems and development of curriculum development as well as the criteria used during the process. The worldview influences how and what they teach and determines the student's interpretation of the information being passed on to them (Walters, 2018). The biblical worldview is based on the tenets of faith and infallibility of the scripture. It holds a number of beliefs including a personal God who exists as the standard through which all other things are determined: that he created the universe and all things that occur within it are planned and executed by him: that those who believe in him shall not perish but continue to exist with him eternally in paradise.

According to the scriptures, a man was created by God "to do" thus the committee should ensure that the curriculum is preparing students to do in school, at home, in the society and worldwide. The curriculum should be formulated in such a way that it instills (Walters, 2018) in students not only facts about life but also the joy and importance of God's creation and a character that desires to do what is right before God. Most schools have adopted "Character education" which is based on Judeo-Christian values such as patience, courage, etc. however it's difficult for the students to understand the true meaning of upholding a good character whereas they remain unaware from whom the ability to do good emanates from.

References

Glatthorn, A. A., Boschee, F., Whitehead, B. M., & Boschee, B. F. (2018). Curriculum leadership: Strategies for development and implementation. SAGE publications.

Parkay, F. W., Anctil, E. J., & Hass, G. (2014). Curriculum leadership: Readings for developing quality educational programs. Prentice Hall.

Walters, S. G. (2018). Book Review: By Design: Developing a Philosophy of Education Informed by a Christian Worldview.