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.
Table of Contents
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.
Meaning 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, 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.
Curriculum development is the planned, purposeful, progressive, and systematic process to create positive improvements in the educational system.
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.
To illustrate further, 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 e-book.
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: 12 January 2024
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.
Hello, Gabriel Mithamo. Thank you.
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, https://simplyeducate.me/wordpress_Y/curriculum-development-overview/ . I would be glad to meet you up. My email is simplyeducateme1mga@gmail.com.
your article is of great help Dr Mary I greatly thankful Dr.
I’m glad to help you, Ernest.
thumbs up for this article… thanks ma’am…
You are welcome, Aldwin.
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.
interesting articles
Thanks so much, Hazary.
hello Dr marry !
can I get the difference between curriculum design and curriculum development
Curriculum design is only a part of curriculum development, Christine.
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.
A very good article,i like it keep informing the populace.
Thanks, Hassan. Please help me inform the populace in your country.
Your article is worth reading. I enjoyed every bit of it.
Wow! Thanks for the appreciation, Okpaje.
Thanks po for the very relevant info.
You are welcome, Winaa.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
great article! this is very much helpful in doing my fS 4.
Thanks so much, Rebecca.
Commendable
Hello, Immanuel. Thank you.