Curriculum Currents Assignment
We've discussed the ways in which curricula has evolved or changed with the social, political, and educational context of the times. These "currents" flowing around our educational system impact curricula in important ways.
These phenomena are not limited to general curricular questions, but can significantly impact specific areas of study as well.
Your task for this assignment is to investigate and present on the "currents" that surround a curriculum or subject area you are interested in.
These currents could be occurring in the present or at some point in the past.
In doing so, you will want to consider the following:
• What is/was the political, social and educational context for the time period?
• What are/were the primary questions or points of contention surrounding the curriculum currents?
• What role do/did those in power have in the development or changing of curriculum?
To what extent are politicians, education officials, state departments of education, education reformers, corporations, or think tanks involved?
• What do/did educators think about the curriculum in question?
Can you find examples of articles, blogs, research, commentaries...etc.? Is/Was there a general consensus between educators or are/were there a wide range of views?
• What do you think about the situation? How can you apply your knowledge about curriculum concepts, aims, history and theory to bring this issue into a wider focus?