Curriculum Models and Approaches

Start with curriculum definitions

The Curriculum is a useful starting point for exploring how a curriculum can be described. This mind map presents it as an educational program and looks at its content, purposes and assessment. Another map connects a flexible curriculum model with language learning and skills such as defining, analyzing and interpreting.

As you study, note the terms each map uses and how it connects them. You can return to those terms when looking at the planning and design maps.

Compare models and design approaches

Next, explore the map on content, process and objectives models. It links these models with classical humanism, progressivism and reconstructionism. Curriculum Models/Types offers another way to compare models, with categories including traditional, student-centered, critical and structural models.

For a focus on design, look for the Curriculum Design map covering forward, central and backward design. Compare it with Models of curriculum planning, which introduces Tyler's rationale and the question of what educational purposes a school should pursue.

Use maps and quizzes together

There are no quizzes listed on this topic page, but its maps offer material for comparison and recall. You can study a map, then turn its terms or connections into questions. A free GoConqr account lets you make your own quizzes and mind maps and save quiz scores.

For example, use the design map to frame questions about forward, central and backward design. Then return to the map to check which ideas you included.

Place the topic in the unit

Curriculum Models and Approaches is a section of the Curriculum Development unit in Education and pedagogy. The maps let you move between definitions, models and planning within that unit. Choose a map and follow its connections at your own pace.