Important Developments in Curriculum Theory - Essay Example

The ancient mental discipline curriculum theory which was replaced in the nineteenth century by successive modern theories such as social efficiency theory, developmentalism, meliorist theory, and the need-based core curriculum theory have all been influenced by political events.

Important Developments in Curriculum Theory through Time

The aim of education has undergone changes from developing the reasoning power of the individual to introducing social reform in the country. Hence curriculum theory has developed from the classics-based curriculum of the nineteenth century to the present-day emphasis on multiculturalism in the curriculum. The curriculum theory of the nineteenth century, with its emphasis on mental discipline through rote learning, as portrayed by Charles Dickens in his book ‘Hard Times’ has undergone a sea change in modern times.

In nineteenth-century America, the teacher was the center of the education system. Ill-trained and ill-equipped, the teacher struggled to teach the three R’s to his dwindling students. But by 1890, the rapid industrialization and urbanization of the country led to a change in the role of the school and the teacher. By then society had also begun to change from the mostly agrarian communities to industrial communities. More attention was now given to curriculum in schools, as the ‘monitorial method’ which was adopted in cities like New York, did not last long.

The main curriculum theory until the last part of the nineteenth century was that of ‘Mental Discipline’, a theory followed from the time of Plato The tremendous expansion of the railroad and the newspapers and magazines in the 1890s brought about more changes in the curriculum theory according to the book “The Struggle for American Curriculum 1893-1958” by Herbert Kliebard. Articles in some of the popular journals described schools as “joyless and dreary places” (Kliebard 6), calling for a more suitable curriculum.

In 1837, with the creation of the State Board of Education with the eminent Horace Mann as the head, the first milestone was laid for compulsory education. The first Compulsory Education Law was enacted in Massachusetts in 1852. In 1947, the state passed a law requiring every town to run a grammar school to which attendance was compulsory for the children. Parents were fined if they did not send their children to school.

The classical, rote form of learning with its harsh discipline and verbatim recitation was opposed by psychologists like William James and Edward Thorndike causing a national debate. Society itself was becoming interested in more useful knowledge being imparted to the students. In the early twentieth century, the Great Depression caused educationists to consider using schools for social reform. When in 1918, John Dewey advocated Progressive education, his ideas that the schools should reflect society had a tremendous impact on the curriculum.

There was a renewed emphasis on the teaching of mathematics and sciences during the World War, citing military needs. The wartime decline in high school attendance was attributed to “the continued prominence of academic school subjects” (Kliebard202)Vocation oriented curriculum was advocated after the National Defense Act of 1947 which was of great significance  There was a blending of subjects, with a need-based “core curriculum”

In 1954, the landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court .in the case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, prohibiting the establishment of separate schools for black and white children had a tremendous impact on curriculum theory, paving the way for civil rights and a  multicultural curriculum.

In 1989, the goals for the beginning of the next millennium were formulated, with a forward-looking curriculum.