Foundations of

Curriculum
Development

Prepared by:
Ma. Ronavie D. Mantes
Major Foundations of
Curriculum
 Philosophical
 Historical
 Psychological
 Social
Philosophical
Foundations
 Philosophical Foundations of
Curriculum
 Essentialism
Aim of Education – To promote the
intellectual growth of the individual and
educate a competent person.
The teacher is the sole
authority in his or her subject area or field
of specialization.
Focus in the Curriculum – Essential skills of
the 3 R’s and essential subjects.
Curriculum Trends – Excellence in education,
back to basics and cultural literacy.
 Philosophical Foundations of
Curriculum
 Progressivism
Aim of Education – To promote democratic and social
living.
Role of Education – Knowledge leads to growth and
development of lifelong learners who actively learn by
doing.
Focus in the Curriculum – Subjects are
interdisciplinary, integrative and interactive.
Curriculum is focused on students’ interest, human
problems and affairs.
Curriculum Trends – School reforms, relevant and
contextualized curriculum, humanistic education.
 Philosophical Foundations of
Curriculum
Reconstructionism
Aim of Education – To improve and reconstruct
society. Education for change.
Role of Education – Teachers act as agents of
change and reform in various educational
projects including research.
Focus in the Curriculum – Focus on present and
future trends and issues of national and
international interest.
Curriculum Trends – Equality of educational
opportunities in education, access to global
education.
 Historical
Foundations
Historical Foundations of Curriculum
• Curriculum Theorists
Historical Foundations of Curriculum

presented curriculum
as a science that
emphasizes on
students' need.

1876 - 1956
Historical Foundations of Curriculum

considered
curriculum also as a
science which is
based on students'
need, and the
teachers plan and
activities.
1875 - 1952
Historical Foundations of Curriculum

viewed curriculum as
purposeful activities
which are child-
centered.

1871 - 1965
Historical Foundations of Curriculum

emphasized social
studies in the
curriculum and the
teacher plans the
lesson in advance.

1886 - 1960
Historical Foundations of Curriculum

sees curriculum as
organized around
social functions of
themes, organized
knowledge and
learner's interests. 1901 - 1989
Historical Foundations of Curriculum

believes that
curriculum is a
science and an
extension of
school's philosophy.
Based on students'
1902- 1994
need and interests.
Historical Foundations of Curriculum
Hilda Taba
Contributed to the
theoretical and
pedagogical foundations
of concepts development
and critical thinking in
social studies curriculum

Helped lay the

1902-1967
foundation for diverse
students
Historical Foundations of Curriculum
Peter Oliva
• Describe how curriculum
change is a cooperative
endeavour
• Teachers and curriculum
specialist constitute the
professional core of
planners
• Significant improvement
1992-2012 through group activity
Psychological
Foundation of
Curriculum
 Psychological Foundations of
Curriculum
• Cognitive Theorists
 Psychological Foundations of
Curriculum
Ivan Pavlov
• Father of the Classical
Conditioning Theory the
S-R Theory
• The key to learning is
eraly years of life is to
train them what you want
them to become.
• S- R theory is a
foundation of learning
1849-1936
practice called
indoctrination.
 Psychological Foundations of
Curriculum

• Championed the
Connectionism Theory
• Proposed the three (3)
law of learning:
- Law of readiness
- Law of exercise
- Law of effect
• Specific stimulus has
specific response.
1874-1949
 Psychological Foundations of
Curriculum
Robert Gagne
• Proposed the
Hierarchy Learning
Theory
• Behaviour is based on
prerequisite
conditions
• Introduced tasking on
the formulation of
1916-2002
objectives.
 Psychological Foundations of
Curriculum

• Theories
Describe cognitive development
in terms of stages from birth
to maturity
• Key of Learning
a. Assimilation
b. Accommodation
c. Equilibration
1896-1980
 Psychological Foundations of
Curriculum
Lev Vygotsky
• Theories
1. Cultural transmission and
development
2. Interaction to arriving
developmental stage
3. Sociocultural development
theory
• Key of Learning
1. Pedagogy creates learning
processes that lead to
development
1896-1934 2. Child is an active agent in his
or her educational processes.
Psychological Foundations of
Curriculum
Psychological Foundations of
Curriculum
Daniel Goleman
• Emotions
contains the
power to
affect action
Psychological Foundations of
Curriculum
Gestalt
• Theories
Wholeness
• Key Learning
a. Learning is complex or
abstract
b. Analyze the problem
c. Learners perceive
something in relation
to the whole
Psychological Foundations of
Curriculum

1908-1970
Psychological Foundations of
Curriculum
Carl Rogers
• Nondirective and
Therapeutic Learning
- Established counselling
procedures.
• Key Learning
- Curriculum concerned with
process not product; personal
needs not the subject
matter, psychological meaning
not the cognitive scores.
 Humanistic
Foundation of
Curriculum
Social Foundations of Curriculum
Social Foundations of Curriculum
Contribution
• Society as a
source of change
• School as agent
of change
• Knowledge as an
agent of change.
Social Foundations of Curriculum

• Considered two
fundamental elements;
1. School
2. Civil Society

1859-1952
Social Foundations of Curriculum
Alvin Toffler
• Believed that
knowledge should
prepare students
for the future.
Thank You!!! 