Principles of curriculum planning and development.

 

Principles of curriculum planning and development: 

The following are a few of the basic principles of curriculum planning and development:

1) Principle of Totality of Experiences

It is imperative to realize that curriculum does not merely indicate academic subjects traditionally taught in schools and colleges. It also includes the totality of experiences a student gains through several curricular, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

2) Principle of Child-Centeredness

Instead of sticking to the predetermined curriculum, instructors must consider the child’s concerns, motives, and needs while developing the curriculum. In addition, while planning any curricular activities, educators must consider ways to enrich learners’ interests.

3) Principle of Conservation and Creativity

While developing a curriculum, it is mandatory to include subjects and experiences that would help conserve cultural heritage. Furthermore, one of the most essential principles of curriculum development is that the curriculum cannot be static.On the contrary, it should be subject to modification as per the requirement aligned with the changing global educational trends and students’ needs.

4) Principle of Integration

The curriculum should be planned in such a way that varied subjects could be added at different stages of education. Similarly, the existing subjects should be able to integrate with other subjects apart from enabling the students to correlate with the content.

5) Principle of Flexibility

One of the ideal qualities that a curriculum should have been flexibility and dynamism, as this will be instrumental in serving the needs and concerns of individuals and society. Also, timely changes and appropriate modifications to the curriculum allows educators and learners alike to stay updated with academic goals.

6) Principle of Utility

Curriculum construction should follow the principle of utility, according to which educators must include content that is useful to the individual and society. In addition, the curriculum must consist of rich and valuable content that would be useful later in life.

7) Principle of Character Formation

The goal of the curriculum is not just educating learners through bookish knowledge. It should also encourage the development of character and personality in students. Therefore, the curriculum must aid in students’ character training throughout the academic years.

8) Principle of Mental Discipline

A significant task of the curriculum is to foster learners' various mental faculties or powers through cognitive training and practice.

9) Principle of Social Fulfilment

Education aims to provide the overall development of the students through comprehensive teaching styles and content. Moreover, the curriculum should also consider adding the element of social life so that learners could gain insight into becoming responsible citizens.