The Function of Curriculum in training organizations, schools, and other institutions

Full Answer Section

• • Perspective: A vehicle for socialization, shaping students' attitudes, and reinforcing societal values.
• Hidden Curriculum:
  • This refers to the unintended lessons that students learn through the school's structure and routines. It can include things like power dynamics, social hierarchies, and expectations about conformity.
  • Perspective: A potentially problematic aspect of schooling, as it can perpetuate inequalities and limit students' critical thinking.
• Null Curriculum:
  • This is what is not being taught. Subjects, or viewpoints that are left out of the educational process.
  • Perspective: A reflection of what society deems to be unimportant, or controversial.

2. Problems Identified with Curriculum in My Organization's Setting:

• Overemphasis on Standardized Testing:
  • The pressure to perform well on standardized tests often leads to "teaching to the test," which narrows the curriculum and ¹ limits opportunities for deeper learning.  
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  • Change: Reduce the reliance on high-stakes testing and implement more authentic assessments that measure students' understanding and application of knowledge.
  • Why: This would allow teachers to focus on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Lack of Cultural Responsiveness:
  • The curriculum may not adequately reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students, leading to disengagement and a sense of alienation.
  • Change: Incorporate culturally relevant materials and teaching strategies that acknowledge and celebrate diversity. Train teachers in culturally responsive pedagogy.
  • Why: This would create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment where all students feel valued and respected.
• Insufficient Focus on 21st-Century Skills:
  • The curriculum may not adequately prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce, which requires skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy.
  • Change: Integrate project-based learning, technology, and real-world applications into the curriculum.
  • Why: This would equip students with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

3. Analysis of Problems Cited in Readings:

• Inequities in Access to Resources:
  • This is a significant problem in many public school systems, including my own. Schools in wealthier districts often have access to more resources, such as technology, textbooks, and qualified teachers, while schools in low-income areas are often underfunded.
  • This creates a significant gap in educational opportunities.
• The "Banking Concept" of Education:
  • This concept, described by Paulo Freire, views students as passive recipients of knowledge, with teachers acting as depositors. While this approach is less prevalent in modern classrooms, it can still manifest in rigid teaching methods and a lack of student engagement.
  • In my organization, teachers are encouraged to use active learning strategies, so this is less of a problem than it once was, however, it does still exist in some classrooms.
• The Influence of Corporate Interests:
  • The increasing influence of corporations on education, such as through the promotion of standardized testing and the privatization of school services, is a growing concern.
  • While this influence is present, my organization has local control of the curriculum, which reduces the amount of corporate influence.
• Lack of teacher autonomy:
  • The amount of standardization present in public school systems, can limit teacher autonomy.
  • This is a problem in my organization, and I would suggest giving teachers more control over how they teach the curriculum.

Sample Answer

. Perspectives of Curriculum in a Public School Setting:

In a public school, the curriculum is viewed from several perspectives, often simultaneously:

• Formal Curriculum (Explicit):
  • This is the officially mandated curriculum, including state standards, district-prescribed textbooks, and planned lesson objectives. It's the "what" the school intends to teach.
  • Perspective: A tool for meeting state and national educational goals, ensuring accountability, and preparing students for standardized tests.
• Informal Curriculum (Implicit):
  • This encompasses the unspoken norms, values, and beliefs that are transmitted through the school environment. It includes things like teacher expectations, peer interactions, and school culture.