June+21

= = =Philosophical Orientations= When curriculum is considered more than what is written on a piece of paper, then it becomes a more dense phenomenon within which beliefs matter. Each of you has beliefs about the following:

The nature of the learner The nature of knowledge The role of society in schooling The purpose of schooling

How these images converge in your mind becomes a philosophy or a curriculum orientation. Individuals and groups who develop and/or implement curriculum materials also have philosophies about curriculum and schooling. The trouble is often that if we do not reflect upon, articulate, and justify these philosophical orientations we run the risk of following fads, traditions, or pressures from individuals and groups outside of education. With this in mind, I offer you a series of exercises in the form of a curriculum matrix to explore your own beliefs:

=The Curriculum Matrix= EPSF 8440, like other curriculum courses in our department, is a foundations course. As such, we approach curriculum from both historical and philosophical traditions. Many curriculum texts will address the philosophical side of curriculum (or education for that matter) with a series of ists or isms. I've always been wary of such neatly packaged ideologies and think that asking students to sift among them or (eee gads) choose from them requires as much thought as selecting a box of cereal from the shelf of a grocery store. Therefore, I've tried to explore the theoretical underpinnings of curriculum through a conceptual matrix. This matrix honors the two critical elements of curriculum: axiology and epistemology. Below you have a questionnaire I'd encourage you to answer. From that questionnaire you may review the curriculum matrix, a Power Point that describes it, and a written description. You are welcomed to respond above in discussion and ask questions. Keep in mind that the matrix is not designed to paint anyone in an ideological corner. Instead, each quadrant (and yes, I know they are not mathematically correct) is part of a continuum. It is supposed to be a bit messy.

The questionnaire: [|Your Beliefs about Curriculum.doc]

Here is a copy of the Matrix

[|curriculum matrix.doc]

Here is a copy of the Power Point:

[|curriculum matrix power point.ppt]

Here is a brief explanation of the Matrix

[|curriculum matrix explained.doc]

If you want to discuss the matrix, feel free to do so above. This is an optional assignment and opportunity for discussion.

= = =Discussion Questions=


 * What philosophical orientation – if any – is evident within the curriculum materials?

What philosophical orientation – if any – is evident within your school? **