Fundamentals of the Central Curriculum in Education
The differing perspectives on the central concept have led to variations in curriculum content, which aligns with students’ issues and shared needs. The fundamental principles of the central curriculum are as follows:
- The central curriculum disregards the boundaries between academic subjects, promoting a boundless organization and understanding of knowledge.
- A significant portion of the school day is allocated to the central program, addressing the unique needs of learners.
- There are no strict divisions between subjects; instead, there is an integration of relevant scientific content necessary for understanding the area of study.
- The focus is on problem-solving methods and strategies.
- Both students and teachers utilize a diverse array of knowledge sources and educational materials during the central study.
- There is an emphasis on social values and essential elements that are relevant to all, encapsulating the general culture that includes the values and norms governing community activities.
- The curriculum is designed to serve as a foundational phase for students, guiding them towards academic and vocational orientation in their future careers.
- Students are trained in teamwork, fostering essential skills.
- The curriculum is structured around a shared central program that all students study, providing a form of general education that resonates with their interests and inclinations, thus enhancing engagement.
- Students and teachers collaborate in planning the central program through joint efforts.
- The program requires educators to be well-informed and proactive in preparing their lessons and collaborating with subject teachers during the planning process, ensuring a connection between various fields of expertise.
- The curriculum equips students with essential scientific thinking skills.
- This approach grants children practical opportunities to tackle real-life problems.
The Central Curriculum
The central curriculum represents a significant paradigm shift in education. It comprises diverse fields of knowledge, organized around a theme that encompasses socially significant processes or issues relevant to contemporary life, as well as the concerns, needs, and interests of students. This curriculum is rooted in learning theories informed by educational psychology, providing insights into the nature and conditions of learning.
Understanding the Term ‘Central’
The term ‘central’ literally refers to the core of any material around which other elements revolve. In the context of school curricula, it indicates a specific focal point within the curriculum that is closely linked to various components. The term was also previously associated with the specific subjects that learners were required to study.
Models of the Central Curriculum
The central curriculum encompasses three models utilized in education, which are as follows:
- Psychological Model
This model focuses on the findings of psychological research conducted on learners to identify growth requirements.
- Demographic Model
It examines results from social and demographic studies concerning local environmental issues, taking into account their social characteristics.
- Realistic Model
This model emphasizes the outcomes of realistic studies related to the needs and challenges faced by the learners for whom the curriculum is being developed.