CURRICULUM FORMATION Presented by - Sanika Aaherkar
INTRODUCTION The term curriculum is of Latin origin and it implies an athletic ground, thus indicating that curriculum is the ground through which the educand (students) has to pass in order to reach a definite goal. ● According to Cunningham, "Curriculum is the tool in the hands of the artist (the teacher) to mould his material (the pupil) according to his ideal (objective) in his studio (the school)" ● According to modern interpretation Curriculum is the organized form of subject matter, specially prepared for experiences and activities which provide the student with the knowledge and skills he will require in facing the various situations of real life.
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT This is a synthesis process of designing a program of experiences for student and for which school or colleges accepts the responsibility. It involves the process of curriculum planning, design and organization, implementation,evaluation,Change or improvement .
In the words of Munroe, "Curriculum embodies all the experiences which are utilized by the school to attain the aims of education. The curriculum includes all the learner's experiences in or outside school that are included in a programme which has been devised to help him develop mentally, physically,emotionally , socially, spiritually and morally". According to Caswell, "The curriculum is all that goes on in the lives of the children, their parents and the teachers. The curriculum is made up of everything that surrounds the learner in all his working hours". In fact this has been described as "in environment in motion"
OBJECTIVES Curriculum should provide the means of all-round development of a student. Teaching should be organized with the help of curriculum. It must involve the human experiences, cultures and civilizations which are to be transferred to new generation. It should be the means to develop the moral character, discipline, honesty, co-operation, friendship and sympathy with others. It should help in developing the ability of thinking, wisdom and reasoning.
It should consider stages of growth and development of the child for development of interests, values, attitudes and creative ability. It should provide awareness and understanding of Physical and social environment and its components. It should develop right type of feeling and beliefs towards religions, new values and traditions. It should integrate knowledge of various teaching subjects in view of their future life.
TYPES OF CURRICULUM FORMATION - Presented by Amruta Shinde
Subject- Centered Curriculum This is the most traditional form of curriculum design and focuses on the content or subject matter. The organization is based on specific disciplines or subjects, with clear divisions between topics. FEATURES:- Example in Physical Therapy : A subject-centered curriculum might organize coursework around major themes like musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary systems. Each subject is taught separately, focusing on the knowledge of that system. . Emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge within a subject area. The curriculum is organized around specific subjects (e.g., anatomy, physiology, pathology). Teacher-centered approach: instructors are experts transmitting knowledge to students.
Learner- Centered Curriculum In this model, the needs, interests, and learning styles of students are central to the design and delivery of the curriculum. The focus is on helping learners acquire the skills and knowledge they need in a way that is meaningful to them. FEATURES: - Example in Physical Therapy : A learner-centered approach might allow students to choose elective courses based on their areas of interest (e.g., sports physiotherapy, geriatrics, or pediatrics) and design their learning paths. Focuses on individual learner needs and abilities. Promotes active learning through self-directed study, projects, and collaborative work. Teachers act as facilitators rather than authoritative figures.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Curriculum In this type of curriculum, learning is structured around complex, real-world problems that students must solve. PBL emphasizes critical thinking, self-directed learning, and application of knowledge. Features :- Example in Physical Therapy : Students might be presented with a case of a patient who suffered a stroke, and they would need to research and propose a rehabilitation plan. This process involves integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines (e.g., neuroanatomy, motor learning, and rehabilitation techniques). Students work in groups to solve practical, clinical problems. Learning is driven by cases rather than lectures. Encourages students to research and apply information to find solutions.
Competency-Based Curriculum In a competency-based curriculum, the focus is on what learners are able to do by the end of the program. Learning outcomes are predefined as competencies that students must achieve, often linked to industry or professional standards. Features : Focuses on the development of specific skills and abilities. Learning outcomes are clearly defined as competencies (e.g., patient assessment, diagnostic reasoning, therapeutic intervention). Flexible pacing: learners progress at their own pace as they master each competency. Example in Physical Therapy : Competencies might include the ability to assess a patient’s mobility, formulate a treatment plan, and demonstrate proficiency in manual therapy techniques. Students progress once they can demonstrate these skills.
Integrated Curriculum An integrated curriculum breaks down the traditional boundaries between subjects and aims to connect concepts across different areas. It seeks to provide a holistic approach to education by linking theoretical knowledge to practical applications. Features : Subjects are integrated to show the relationships between different fields of knowledge. Encourages a broader understanding and application of concepts. Themes or modules combine various subjects, such as anatomy, biomechanics, and rehabilitation. Example in Physical Therapy : Instead of separate courses in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, these could be combined in an integrated unit focused on a body region (e.g., the lower limb). Students would learn about the anatomy, function, and potential injuries of the lower limb, along with treatment methods in one cohesive module.
Modular Curriculum In a modular curriculum, the content is broken down into independent units or modules. Each module is self-contained and can be taught or completed in isolation from others, allowing flexibility and customization. Features : Content is delivered in independent, stand-alone units. Allows for flexibility and customization based on student needs or program structure. Students can take modules in a sequence or combination that fits their educational or career goals. Example in Physical Therapy : A student could take modules in neurological rehabilitation, pediatric therapy, and sports injury rehabilitation as separate units, accumulating credits toward a degree.
Spiral Curriculum In a spiral curriculum, topics are revisited multiple times throughout the program, each time at a deeper level of complexity. This allows students to build on their previous knowledge and apply it in more advanced contexts. Features : Topics are introduced early and revisited throughout the program. Each revisit deepens understanding and adds complexity. Encourages long-term retention of knowledge and skills. Example in Physical Therapy : Students may study basic musculoskeletal anatomy in the first year, revisit it in the context of injury and treatment in the second year, and then apply it in clinical practice scenarios in the final year .
Hybrid Curriculum A hybrid curriculum combines elements of multiple curriculum models to provide a more comprehensive and flexible educational experience. It can blend subject-centered, problem-based, and competency-based approaches depending on the educational context. Features : Combines various approaches to suit the needs of learners and the institution. Tailored to address different types of knowledge (e.g., theoretical, practical, interdisciplinary). Flexibility in delivery methods (e.g., online, in-person, clinical training). Example in Physical Therapy : A hybrid curriculum might combine problem-based learning for clinical cases with subject-centered courses for foundational knowledge and competency-based assessments for clinical skills.
F ormation of Philosophy - Presented by Sakshi Miraje
References APTA. "Curriculum Guidelines for Physical Therapy Education Programs," American Physical Therapy Association , 2018. Walker, G. R. (2002). Problem-based learning: A critical rationalist perspective. Medical Education , 36(6), 543-549. Harden, R. M. (1986). Ten questions to ask when planning a course or curriculum. Medical Education , 20(4), 356-365.