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  • Writer's pictureRafaela Javier

Week 2: September 16/18

Updated: Oct 9, 2019




 

What are the four models of curriculum described in the article, and what are the main benefits and/or drawbacks of each? 

The four models of curriculum described in the article: curriculum as a syllabus to be transmitted, curriculum as a product, curriculum as a process and curriculum as a praxis.

Curriculum as a Syllabus to be transmitted is very straight forward in terms of presenting major topics throughout the course of studies. Although this model is very easy to understand, it is very limited when it comes to content or the body of knowledge and does not have any specific order in which the topics should be studied.

Curriculum as a Product is a more on the organized side when it comes to focusing on the efficiency of movement and educating students on what they need to know in order to become efficient workers. The major drawback of this model is that it gives learners limited options and is only to do what they are required to do. All students are to follow the same objectives but the results are unknown .

Curriculum as a Process is solely based on the interactions between students, teachers and classroom knowledge. Unlike the previous models who focuses more on the objectives and the final outcomes, this model the students are more involved and given more freedom in their learning. This may seem like an ideal model for students but it has its cons as well, primarily on the teachers, whether they do an excellent job in teaching and accommodate for students who require more structure.

Curriculum as Praxis leaning towards a more informed way of teaching and the constant evolution of teaching through interaction and reflection. It allows teachers and students to communicate and create a more efficient way to educate students. It creates a collective understanding on the best way to learn in the classroom, giving everyone more freedom and a chance to be involved in shaping the classroom. However this may not be an ideal model for anyone (whether teacher or student) who is not accustomed to change and prefer a more structured learning environment.


Schooling experience:

My own schooling experience includes all of the curriculum models in Smith’s article. What i noticed for sure is that for bigger classes, curriculum as a syllabus or product is more prominent to keep students on track and also more organized. Some subjects were focused more on teaching us what we need to know and guiding us to be successful in future studies. Some teachers were very involved in my experience, trying their best to help students and even to those who won’t ask for help but seems to be struggling. Some teachers are less involved and only helped those who are brave enough to ask for help. I believe that the models are effective in some subjects but not all that’s why my experience includes a mixed balance of all the models. Subjects like math and science requires a more focused and structured curriculum, whereas subjects like Art and English allows you to think freely and creatively. These models provides more understanding of what is expected in order to succeed in different ways and form.



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