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Bases of curriculum-philosophical, sociological and psychological


1. Philosophical Bases of Curriculum
Philosophy provides a broad vision and framework for the curriculum. It answers fundamental questions like:
  • What is the purpose of education?
  • What knowledge is most worthwhile?
  • What kind of human being should the education system aim to develop?
Major Educational Philosophies and Their Influence:
Philosophical Bases of Curriculum
Philosophy Core Beliefs Curriculum Implication
Idealism Reality is spiritual and eternal. Truth comes from ideas and reason. Focus on classics, moral education, and philosophy.
Realism Reality exists independent of mind. Knowledge through senses. Emphasis on science, math, and observable facts.
Pragmatism Truth is what works. Learning through experience. Activity-based, practical problem-solving curriculum.
Existentialism Focus on individual freedom and choice. Curriculum promotes self-expression, creativity, personal meaning.
Perennialism Universal truths are unchanging and must be taught. Classical subjects and great books form the curriculum base.
Essentialism Basic skills and core knowledge are essential. Stress on reading, writing, math, discipline, and standards.
Reconstructionism Education should reform society. Focus on social problems, critical thinking, and social justice.

2. Sociological Bases of Curriculum

  • Sociology emphasizes the relationship between education and society. It considers how culture, values, and social changes affect curriculum.
Key Aspects:
Sociological Bases of Curriculum
Aspect Explanation
Social Needs Curriculum should reflect the needs of society (e.g., technological, economic).
Cultural Transmission Transmits culture, traditions, norms, and values to students.
Social Equity Promotes inclusiveness and reduces inequalities (e.g., gender, caste).
Multiculturalism Includes diverse cultures and fosters global awareness.
Social Change and Reform Curriculum evolves to address social problems like climate change and inequality.
Community Involvement Includes local knowledge and active participation from the community.

Examples:

  • Including local history and festivals in curriculum.
  • Adding gender studies, environmental education, civic education.
  • Curriculum reform after social movements or national changes.
3. Psychological Bases of Curriculum
  • Psychology helps in understanding how students learn and how curriculum can match their developmental needs, abilities, and interests.
Key Theories and Implications:
Psychological Bases of Curriculum
Theory / Psychologist Key Ideas Curriculum Impact
Piaget (Cognitive Theory) Children go through stages of cognitive development. Curriculum should be age-appropriate and allow exploration.
Vygotsky (Social Development) Learning occurs through interaction (ZPD). Encourage collaborative learning and scaffolding.
Bruner (Constructivism) Learning is an active, discovery-based process. Focus on problem-solving and critical thinking.
Bloom (Taxonomy) Learning has cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. Design objectives that target all domains of learning.
Skinner (Behaviorism) Learning through stimuli and reinforcement. Use rewards, feedback, and repetition in teaching.
Gardner (Multiple Intelligences) Different learners have different intelligences. Curriculum should offer variety and inclusiveness.

Other Psychological Considerations:

  • Motivation and Interest
  • Learning Styles
  • Readiness
  • Mental Health
  • Emotional Development
📌 Summary Table
Curriculum Bases Summary
Base Focus Key Question
Philosophical Values, aims, knowledge, truth What should be taught and why?
Sociological Social needs, culture, equity What does society need from education?
Psychological Learner’s mind, development, behavior How do students learn best?

Comments

  1. afreenSeptember 8, 2025 at 12:42 AM

    This breakdown of curriculum bases is excellent and very helpful for understanding education systems. Parents should consider these factors when choosing schools. I personally look for well-rounded institutions, especially private schools with indoor swimming pool in Abu Dhabi, since they balance learning with physical growth.

    ReplyDelete

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