This article expounds on the definition of curriculum development. It also describes the importance of curriculum development in school, country, and society, in general. Read on to fully understand the meaning and importance of curriculum development in nation building.
A curriculum is considered the “heart” of any learning institution, which means that schools or universities cannot exist without a curriculum.
Before I discuss the importance of curriculum development, let me describe to you first the meaning or definition of curriculum. The meaning and importance of curriculum development is discussed in more detail in two separate sections.
Definition of Curriculum Development
Given the importance of curriculum development in formal education, the curriculum has become a dynamic process due to the changes that occur in our society. Therefore, in its broadest sense, curriculum refers to the “total learning experiences of individuals not only in school but society as well” (Bilbao et al., 2008).
Curriculum development is defined as planned, a purposeful, progressive, and systematic process to create positive improvements in the educational system. Every time there are changes or developments happening around the world, the school curricula are affected. There is a need to update them to address the society’s needs.
To illustrate this contention, let’s trace back history.
People taught their children knowledge and skills to survive by catching fish or hunting animals for food during ancient times. They had no formal education during that time, but their children learned and acquired the knowledge and skills for survival. During that time, they already had a curriculum that other educators call as, the saber-tooth curriculum. This type of curriculum refers to a kind of curriculum that existed during ancient times in which the purpose of teaching was for survival.
However, when the effects of discoveries and inventions became inevitable, ancient people’s way of life had changed for the better. As a result, education became formal, and curriculum development evolved as systematic, planned, purposeful, and progressive.
Natalie Rivera recommends reading the book “The Saber-Tooth Curriculum” for a better understanding of how curriculum evolves. See the video below.
Importance of Curriculum Development
Curriculum development has a broad scope because it is not only about the school, the learners, and the teachers. It is also about the development of society in general.
In today’s knowledge economy, curriculum development plays a vital role in improving a country’s economy. It also provides answers or solutions to the world’s pressing conditions and problems, such as threats to the environment, issues on politics, socio-economic problems, and other issues related to poverty, climate change, and sustainable development.
There must be a chain of the developmental process to develop a society. First, the school curriculum, particularly in higher education, must be designed to preserve its national identity and ensure its economy’s growth and stability. Thus, the president of a country must have a clear vision for his people and the nation.
For instance, in the Philippines, if President Aquino wants the country to become the Asia-Pacific’s tourism hub, then the school curriculum must be developed along that line. Curricular programs for higher education can be crafted in such a way that it will boost the tourism industry in the country. For example, different models may arise, such as edu-tourism, eco-tourism, cultural tourism, medo-tourism, biz-tourism, techno-tourism, agri-tourism, archi-tourism, among others.
If universities have innovative curricular programs and demand in the local or global markets, many students, even from foreign countries, will enroll. A higher number of enrollees would mean income on the part of the universities. As a result, if the income is high, it can be used for teachers’ promotion, scholarship, and remuneration. It can also be used to fund research and development endeavors and put up school facilities, libraries, and laboratories.
I believe that the country’s economy can improve people’s way of life through curriculum development. And to develop it, curriculum experts or specialists should work hand in hand with lawmakers such as senators and Congress members, the local government officials, governors, and mayors. Likewise, business communities and industries and other economically oriented players in society may be engaged in setting and implementing rules and educational reform policies.
Hence, curriculum development matters a lot in setting the direction of change in an organization, not only at the micro but also at macro levels. As long as curriculum development goals and objectives are apparent in the planner’s mind, cutting-edge achievements in various concerns can be realized.
At this point, the meaning and importance of curriculum development is clear to you. For additional information on curriculum development, I condensed the contents of primary textbooks on curriculum development in my eBook on Curriculum Development. See a brief description of the eBook by clicking on the book cover at right.
For more example on curriculum development, please read Edecolepmentalism: a Personal Philosophy of HIgher Education, and Translating the Edecolepmentalism Philosophy Into a University’s Vision, Goals, and Program Objectives.
Reference
Bilbao, P. P., Lucido, P. I., Iringan, T. C., and R. B. Javier (2008). Curriculum development. Philippines: Lorimar Publishing, Inc.
© 2014 December 13 M. G. Alvior
Updated: 28 November 2020
I would like to read more tips about this educational programme.
HI! Thank you for your suggestion. If I have time, I will write about it. God bless!
i acknowledge your for that
Helo miss Mary please help
With ths following learning theories,mental disciplone theory,natural unfoldment theory,behavoirisn and cognitivism.
Can you please explain how each theor’s philosophical outlooks help in relation of curriculum design and development in schools
Hi madam Alvior.do u remember me???
Hi Mary,
I am doing some research in this area. I see you have only one reference at the end of your article. I was just wondering if this a reflection of how little work has being done in that area? I was wondering because I am finding it hard to find an research in this area.
Regards
Chris
P.S. I am looking forward to reading your book
Very good
thanks madam,i have learned many things from your article
You are welcome, Lawrence. Enjoy reading!
Hi Mary,
I am doing some research in this area. I see you have only one reference at the end of your article. I was just wondering if this a reflection of how little work has being done in that area? I was wondering because I am finding it hard to find an research in this area.
Regards
Chris
P.S. I am looking forward to reading your book
Great knowledge I acknowledge you for that.
Hi, Sadiamsa. You are welcome.
Plz help me in that subject
Thanks very interested. But please may I know how is the curriculum design serve the society?
Great knowledge ,I enjoy reading your article on curriculum development.Thanks.
Hi, Mohammed. You are welcome.
Madam I found it very enlightening. God Bless you!!
Thanks
YOUR ARTICLE IS EASY TO COMPREHEND. I WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE
Thank you so much, Tony Palmer.
Very grateful
Thanks a lot, Mark.
Thanks so much!, I have found particular materials I was searching for.
Great Kechi. Thanks for dropping by.
Thanks Kechi.
Thanks so much, Kechi.
great article…really enlightened my understanding on development of curriculum
Thank you so much.
your publication is very helpful, please keep posting for the benefit of the wider community. God bless!
Dear Kevin, Thanks a lot. Please pray that I have more time to write because I am also a very busy person.
a very delightful article….
…..I really appreciate your work…
Thanks so much, Stephen.
your publication is really helping me keep on with the good work
Hi, Boniface. Thanks so much.
I have really liked your article. Thank you so much.
Hi, Aleic! You are welcome.
Hi, friends i really like this article and i will keep up try to make an effective contribution to you all.
Hi, Zaharaddeen. Thanks for sharing my article. God bless.
Hi friends, i believe that curriculum has a great important to determine the achivement, planned, and well organise level of study in schools.
Reference:
zaharaddeen Auwal Jikamshi (2016)
I agree with you, Zaharaddeen.
Thank u sir
Thank you, Yusuf. But I am Dr. Mary. I am a woman.
Great information about curriculum development. it was easy to understand.
Thanks so much, Lois.
Very good
I wish to learn on the types curriculum development please educate me
Hi, Sakala. Please check this out, http://simplyeducate.me/2015/01/07/seven-school-curriculum-types-and-their-classroom-implications/
If it may be possible let me educated
Sure! I will educate you, Sakala, for as long as I am not sick and I have time to write.
Very Informative, thanks for such a comprehensive article.
Hi, Shahzad. You are welcome.
I enjoyed reading your articles! Very informative. I would like to read more…
Hi, Meech. I love to write more but as the moment, I am not physically well. Please pray that I get well soon and able to write in this site.
Thank you so much, Meech.
I like to read more 😀
Hello, Bernie. Please pray that I am be able to write more. Thank you.
Commendable
Hello, Immanuel. Thank you.
great article! this is very much helpful in doing my fS 4.
Thanks so much, Rebecca.
hey maam i need this study coz iam 12 class student u teaching me dear
Hi, Shahid. Thanks for informing me. It’s my pleasure to teach you.
I am so pleased reading your article , I was just called up to offer the “Introduction to curriculum development and teaching” I never knew how to go about it, but when I read through your article I was so enriched and hoping to give the best of what is expected of me to these starter class of University students.
Stay blessed
My regards
You are very welcome, Jannet.
Hello Dr. Marry,
You have really published a great book for researchers and educators of curriculum. I am highly interested to buy an electronic copy of “THE MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF CURRICULUM development”. However, I have tried but it seems I didn’t find the right link. I would be grateful if you could send me the direct link, please. I appreciate your prompt and positive response.
Very best regards,
Mubarak
Thank you so much, Sir Mubarak. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me through my email. God bless and happy reading!
Hi Dr. Marry! thank you for the Article. im started to study this article because this is one of my subject. the Curriculum development.
Hello, Nhardz. I hope that you learned from me.
Hi madam, Am Shechambo John excited to read saber- tooth curriculum, a useful material for tracing the foundation of curriculum development
Hi, Shechambo. Thank you so much.
hello maam mary . thakyou for that article but I have a very simple question that makes me confuse . tsarr ihihi .. Are sabre-curriculum and saber curriculum thesame ?
Yes, Lobme. They are the same. saber and sabre, but it is better to say saber.
Please read, http://charles-jennings.blogspot.com/2009/05/70-years-on-and-still-relevant-sabre.html
Thanks.
Thanks po for the very relevant info.
You are welcome, Winaa.
Your article is worth reading. I enjoyed every bit of it.
Wow! Thanks for the appreciation, Okpaje.
A very good article,i like it keep informing the populace.
Thanks, Hassan. Please help me inform the populace in your country.
Hello Dr. Marry
May I get some definition about curriculum development based on experts (min. 5 experts)?
Thanks for a lot of article, really helpful me
Sure, Erliana Dewi.
hello Dr marry !
can I get the difference between curriculum design and curriculum development
Curriculum design is only a part of curriculum development, Christine.
interesting articles
Thanks so much, Hazary.
Hello Dr. Mary I need to understand the weakness of curriculum development
Hello, Salmini. There are many weaknesses because curriculum development is highly political. If you have no strong influence or if there is no support coming from the Ministry of Education / Commission on Higher Education, the Teacher Education Council, the teachers, students and other stakeholders, it is difficult to develop a curriculum.
thumbs up for this article… thanks ma’am…
You are welcome, Aldwin.
your article is of great help Dr Mary I greatly thankful Dr.
I’m glad to help you, Ernest.
Hello ma’am, I’m so appreciated by your talented in this article, I have learnt too much! please enlighten me and I need more knowledge about Curriculum Development, If you have more information about curriculum, please inform me… thank you so much ma’am, I want to see you in personal. ^_^
Hello, Hiegder. Thanks so much. I have a book, http://simplyeducate.me/curriculum-development-overview/ . I would be glad to meet you up. My email is simplyeducateme1mga@gmail.com.
Hello, Gabriel Mithamo. Thank you.
Mamzy, I’m so sorry but I don’t have enough time to answer your questions. Perhaps, I could write an article about the topics you raised.
Habtamu, thanks a lot.
ma’am why do we need to know the different types of curricula ?
Hi, Reymark. You must know the different types because all schools have different purposes and the classes in most schools have different types of students. Each curriculum type serves the school’s purpose.
Thanku
You are welcome, Lalhyder.
thank you some much I have learnt from your article Dr. Alvior
Thank you also, Guza. God bless,
Hi, Chami Kiondo. How are you? Can you tell me about yourself? I have so many readers and pardon me if I couldn’t exactly remember you. Thanks so much.
Its real enriching thank you madam.its easily understood
Thank you, Sera.
Ma’am you’re loaded, what an awesome piece. Thanks a lot.
Hi, Prudence! You are welcome.
Dr. Mary, alot of thanks for your great efforts. More grease to your elbow. God bless you more. Thanks.
Thanks so much, Mr. Abbas.
Great staff sir
How is curriculum planning affected by different stakeholders
Hi, Bruce. I’m Dr. Mary Alvior. As to your question, stakeholders have influence in curriculum planning. They can suggest or even prescribe the kind of curriculum designs, mode of delivery, contents, etc.
How is curriculum development relevant to the current system of education
Hi, Nicholas. If you read thoroughly my article above, you would know the relevance of curriculum development to the current educational system.
Thank you so so much I learnt a lot all about curriculum
Thank you so so much ma’am I learnt a lot all about curriculum.
You are welcome, Gugu.
Mary g. Thanks for helping us.
Hi, Simon. You are welcome.
Hi ma’am I enjoy your article,God bless.
Thanks so much, Elizabeth.
wow really educative, thanks a bunch
Hi, Ujunwa. Welcome!
thanks for ur contribution apart from the curriculum development
You’re welcome, Suleiman.
mrs. Mary.g
Our proud by your this contribution, that you was given on part of knowledge.
Thanks a lot, Abubakar.
Please i will like to know the instructional considerations in curriculum development. You can please refer me to a site. Thank you. Do you know Prof. Grace Offorma?
Hello, D. I don’t know Prof. Grace Offorma. Or maybe she is one of my network. As to your question, it seems vague to me because I can’t contextualize it yet.
I will like to have an overview of Instructional Resources and how it’s effect on Students performance
Hi, again. This link can probably help you,http://simplyeducate.me/2014/12/01/hidden-curriculum-its-definition/
International aspect of curriculum plzz define it
Hi, Rabi. I am not so confident with my answer but I think one thing that we have to consider as an international aspect of curriculum is the culture. The curriculum must be culture-sensitive.
very nice indeed
Hi, Dorcas. Thanks.
Wow!this is quite interesting and enlightened. I would like to read more.
Thanks, Chidinma. Just explore this site and you can find my other articles.
Thanks
But i can see that your importance of curriculum development are based only on the economy.
How do students and teachers benefit from this curriculum development
Hello, Mulinzi. Yes, it is more on the economy and that’s the uniqueness of my article and idea. Now, it is getting popular. The idea is to craft a curriculum that would boost the economy. Once you know that kind of curriculum then find out how to make it beneficial to the teachers and the students. The bottomline is we need to prepare our students ready to work. Equip them with knowledge and soft skills as well. But in the future, we don’t need knowledge because robots can do our work. We only need soft skills.
just score a great grade wit the help of your article at school.
Wow! Thanks Abusufiyan.
please I will like to use your medium to ask this question: With relevant examples, account for the development of the curriculum at the level of school administration in Ghana.
Hello, Peter. I’m not particular with the school system in Ghana. I think other readers can answer you. To our readers, you can probably help Peter.
This is helpful material. We are developing a curriculum for early childhood development. We are using your notes aes a guide. Timothy
Thanks Timothy. That’s great, I can do a curriculum review 🙂
thank you Mr. mary G. I am so happened with this article and starting the study from your contribute
Hi, Ishaq. I am Ms. Mary, I am a woman. You can address me as Ma’am Mary or Dr. Mary. You are welcome.
I like your articles on curriculum development Dr. Mary.How do I get more information on importance of curriculum development?
Hi Ma’am,
I’d like to ask does Course of Study and Curriculum are the same?
Looking forward for your response.
Thank you.
Hi, Ricovil. Yes, curriculum and course of study are the same but course of study is only an example of curriculum.
thanks for your lesson
You are welcome Josephat.
Thanks ma,i really enjoyed reading your article.can you help tell me the factors that influence curriculum development?
as curriculum student this piece of information was useful and i believe such article widening ours view more further as field of study.
Thank you so much, Amin.
So if the flower that you just draw is inserted in the opaque
vase, you will need to imagine inside the bottle under the stalk
what sort of shape ought to be so that you simply can draw the proper
position and also the proportion of flowers and stems. The whole picture do not have those grace
and type depicted by classical sculpture painters but much more of painstaking and weakness.
Although the flowers are very important areas
of the painting, they can be not the target from the painting, so they are acting more as a planar pattern.
Hi Dr Mary,I am a student curriculum specialist,and I recently wrote an essay about curriculum development process.Your article really helped me to go about the essay and understand the relevance of curriculum development .I owe the grade I got to you. Thank you,continue educating.I will be here to support
Very educative article, pls keep the Ball rolling
Thank you Safiya. Please help us pray that we are given good health and time to keep this site. Help us also popularize this site in your country. Again, thank you so much.
Hi, Ma’am Mary, what are some of the concepts of curriculum evaluation and implementation? Also help me on knowing the determinants of curriculum design!
Hello madam, your article give me more knowledge. I pray for you to continue to write more articles.
Thanks a lot, Vicent. Please pray for my health. You can help us popularize the site in your place.
Dr Mary thanks for being available. I have a question.
What is the importance of change and innovation in curriculum development?
Thanks ma you just had me got through with my assignment.
Have got many important things from this article. Nimeelewa sana(Swahili). asante sana
Thanks MADAM for your good lesson on curriculum development, be blessed.
Hi Mary. I am really interested in any further research you have on curriculum
Hello, Sir Muhammad. Is there particular thing or topic that you want me to share with you?
As of now, I don’t have new but I want to popularize edecolepmentalism and lingoconomics.
1. https://simplyeducate.me/2014/06/09/edecolepmentalism-a-personal-philosophy-in-higher-education/
2. https://simplyeducate.me/2014/10/26/translating-the-edecolepmentalism-philosophy-into-a-universitys-vision-goals-and-program-objectives/
3.https://simplyeducate.me/2014/05/24/lingoconomics-an-emerging-theory-in-language-acquisition/
Dr Mary thanks for being available. I have a question.
What is the importance of change and innovation in curriculum development?
Hello, Earnest. Change and innovation in curriculum development are essential. If there is a trend happening around the world, curriculum must change. It is also technology and industry driven. On the other hand, the change and innovation can be attributed to the ideas of curriculum developers. They can change the educational system or policy and that contribution can directly affect the society in general.
Thanks ALVIOR MARY G. Nice One My Dear.
thanks I grade you. curriculum dvlpmt deteminant appears to be more interactive than theoratical. help
Very intelligent write-up keep it up Mrs Mary
Thank you Dr Mary
Thanks to you Dr Mary at least I have learned a lot from your article
Thanks Dr marry you broaden my knowledge on curriculum development
Can you pleas3 help answer thes3…what is your understanding about curriculum is the very heart of educational system?