Systems Approach
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What is as system?
-It has parts, they work together, each has specific functions or roles to play and
changes in one part affect one other and consequently, the whole system, just like a
chain reaction. For example, the solar system, cycles in nature are system, (carbon
cycle), human systems(cardiovascular, immune, nervous). They all work for the entire
system to function well.
This approach in curriculum designing is built or based on the system theory. System approach is a way
of thinking which facilitates understanding and handling of a complex situation or phenomenon. It is a
way of looking at the empirical world in which individual phenomena are viewed as interrelated rather
than isolated ones.
(just like the examples I have given, these systems have parts, and they work as a whole, we do not see
such system as just a sum of its individual parts but rather a product of each of its parts working).
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The systems approach postulates that a phenomenon of empirical world be regarded as a
system composed of interrelated, interdependent and integrated subentities (or subsystems),
encompassed by environment (or suprasystem) as well as interfacing with other related
phenomena (or systems).
What is its use or implication in curriculum designing?
-The systems approach can be utilized for overall structuring of curriculum designing
and development activities, as it offers us a systematic, analytical and fact finding
approach.
-It demands first a thorough and comprehensive analysis of all relevant component
elements of a curriculum as well as establishing their purpose and relationship; and then
production of a synthesized, well-rounded blue print for a school.(just like the school
organizational chart.)
Formal definition ng Curriculum designing
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The curriculum development and design process is a system of planning and development of a
workable and effective curriculum design in an educational environment. In other words, it is a
process of a series of interactive activities through which a curriculum designer produces a
design or plan for implementation in a school or college or university environment.
Specifically, curriculum development is a cyclic process constituting the following consecutives
tasks:
(i) Determination and formulation of:
(a) overall objectives of education;
(b) level-wise objectives of curriculum;
(c) subject-wise objectives of curriculum.
(ii) Identification, selection and specification of core elements of the curriculum, namely :
(a) subject contents to be learnt by students;
(b) teaching-learning strategies (methods) ;
(c) assessment procedure, that is how can the extent of learning of a student be
measured;
(d) instructional materials. (These are all of equal importance)(we can see some of
these in the curriculum guide)
(iii) Determination and formulation of objectives and functions of the core elements.
(iv) Establishing interrelation among the core elements.
(v) Implementation and monitoring of the whole curriculum system.
(vi) Development mechanism for periodic re-appraisal of the whole system.
_in summary system approach tells us that in curriculum designing, we have to identify the
specific elements that are important in a curriculum. Next, we have to specify and describe the
role of each core elements and how they are interrelated. Throug this we can produce a
synthesized, well-rounded blue print(curriculum) for a school.
Humanistic Approach
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Progressive Philosophy
-The progressive education philosophy says that educators should teach children how to
think rather than relying on rote memorization. Advocates argue that the process of learning by
doing is at the heart of this style of teaching. The concept, known as experiential learning, uses
hands-on projects that allow students to learn by actively engaging in activities that put their
knowledge to use.
-Progressive education is the best way for students to experience real-world situations,
say advocates. For example, the workplace is a collaborative environment that requires
teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to work independently. Experiential
learning, by helping students develop these skills, better prepares them for college and life as
productive members of the workplace.
Child-Centered Teaching
-In a classroom of 20 children you have 20 different learning styles and 20 different
personalities, 20 different ways of taking in information and giving information. Great teachers
know this and know that one lesson plan, one mode of teaching, is never going to be good
enough. Can that teacher create 20 different lesson plans? Of course not, but that great teacher
knows that their students are on different levels and have different ways of processing
information. So, child-centered teaching and learning basically starts from the child inside-out
rather than the curriculum outside-in. The starting point is looking at the child and what he or
she needs and then building your curriculum outward from there.
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Humanistic Curriculum aims at development and realization of complete human personality of
the student. (that is why even the hidden curriculum is also considered in this approach. There
are certain aspects that affect student learning that are not directly observable and measurable
in a formal curriculum( the attitudes and values of the learners, but they also contribute to the
holistic development of the learners.)
-The humanistic curriculum experts suggest that if education succeeds in development
of needs, interests, and aptitudes of every individual, the students will willingly and intelligently
cooperate with one another for common good. This will ensure a free and universal society with
shared interests rather than conflicting ones. Thus, humanists stress on individual freedom and
democratic rights to form global community based on “common humanity of all people”
- The Humanistic Curriculum is based on the belief that the education that is good for a
person is also best for the well-being of the nation. Here, the individual learner is not regarded
as a passive or at least easily managed recipient of input. S/he is the choosing or self-selecting
organism.
-In summary the humanistic approach puts greater significance on the learners, their interests, abilities
and their needs. The curriculum is based on how these can be met and further developed. Additionally,
it neglects the belief that students should only recall or memorize facts, rather, experiential learning
must be given to the learners. These all contribute to their total development. Their total development
cannot be observed and evaluated in a formal curriculum that is why informal curriculum is also being
considered in this approach. Lastly, what is considered to be good for the learners are also viewed to be
beneficial to the well-being of the entire nation. That is why students are given the freedom to develop
their skills and their interests, supported, because this may enable them to contribute to the entire
nation.