This article explains the four major foundations of curriculum and their importance in education. Examples are provided to stress the importance of curriculum in the academe.
Read on and reflect on some experiences you have had in school. Match it with how philosophy, history, psychology, and sociology influence those experiences of yours.
Table of Contents
The Influence of Philosophy to Curriculum
Educators, curriculum makers, and teachers must have espoused a philosophy or philosophies deemed necessary for planning, implementing, and evaluating a school curriculum. The philosophy they have embraced will help them achieve the following:
- define the school’s purpose,
- identify the essential subjects to be taught,
- design the learning students must have,
- develop approaches or methodologies on how students can gain the knowledge, skills, and attitude,
- produce the instructional materials,
- identify the methods and strategies to be used, and
- determine how teachers will evaluate students.
Likewise, philosophy offers solutions to problems by helping the administrators, curriculum planners, and teachers make sound decisions. A person’s philosophy reflects his/her life experiences, social and economic background, shared beliefs, and education.
When John Dewey proposed that “education is a way of life,” his philosophy is realized when put into practice. Now, particularly in the Philippines, Dewey’s philosophy served as an anchor for the country’s educational system.
History and Its Influence to Curriculum
The history of one’s country can affect its educational system and the curriculum. If we trace the curriculum’s formal beginning, we get back in time to Franklin Bobbit’s book entitled “The Curriculum,” published in 1918.
From Bobbit’s time to Tyler, many developments in the purposes, principles, and contents of the curriculum took place. Please read the Six Famous Curriculum Theorists and their Contributions to Education for more information.
The Influence of Psychology to Curriculum: Four Major Foundations
The curriculum is influenced by psychology. Psychology provides information about the teaching and learning process. It also seeks answers how a curriculum will be organized to achieve students’ learning at the optimum level and what amount of information they can absorb in learning the various contents of the curriculum.
The following are some psychological theories in learning that served as major foundations of curriculum development:
1. Behaviorism
Education in the 20th century was dominated by behaviorism. The mastery of the subject is given more emphasis. So, learning is organized in a step-by-step process. Using drills and repetition are common.
For this reason, many educational psychologists viewed it as mechanical and routine. Though many are skeptical about this theory, we can’t deny the influences it had on our educational system.
2. Cognitivism
Cognitive theorists focus on how individuals process information, monitor and manage their thinking. The basic questions cognitive psychologists zero in on are:
- How do learners process and store information?
- How do they retrieve data and generate conclusions?
- How much information can they absorb?
With their beliefs, they promote the development of problem-solving and thinking skills and popularize reflective thinking, creative thinking, intuitive thinking, discovery learning, and others.
3. Humanism
Humanism is taken from Gestalt’s theory, Abraham Maslow’s theory, and Carl Rogers’ theory. This group of psychologists is concerned with the development of human potential.
In this theory, the curriculum is after the process, not the product; focuses on personal needs, not on the subject; and clarifying psychological meanings and environmental situations. In short, curriculum views founded on humanism posit that learners are human beings who are affected by their biology, culture, and environment. They are neither machines nor animals.
Along this line, curriculum developers must craft a more advanced, more comprehensive curriculum that promotes human potential. Teachers educate not only the minds, but the hearts as well.
4. Sociology and Curriculum
Among the major foundations of curriculum development, the sociological theory emphasizes the influence of society on education. It is founded on the belief that there is a mutual and encompassing relationship between society and curriculum because it exists within the societal context. Though schools are formal institutions that educate the people, other units of society educate or influence the way people think, such as families and friends, and communities.
Since society is dynamic, many developments are difficult to cope with and adjust to. But the schools are made to address and understand the changes not only in one’s country but in the world as well.
Therefore, schools must be relevant by making their curriculum more innovative and interdisciplinary. A curriculum that can address global learners’ diversities, the explosion of knowledge through the internet, and the educational reforms and policies recommended or mandated by the United Nations.
However, it is also imperative that a country must have maintained a curriculum that reflects and preserves its culture and aspirations for national identity. No matter how far people go, it is the country’s responsibility to ensure that the school serves its purpose of educating the citizenry.
Now, it is your time to reflect. Can you think of your experiences in which the major foundation of the curriculum can explain it?
Try to ask yourself the following questions:
- Why should I take history, philosophy, psychology or even PE subjects in college?
- Why is it that the Department of Education is implementing K to 12 and the mother tongue-based curriculum?
- Why is there institutional amalgamation?
- Why is there “One UP” (One University of the Philippines) now in the Philippines?
- Why is there a need for a globalized higher education?
These questions imply that change will take place soon. So, brace yourself for the many changes that will take place in education!
Reference
Bilbao, P. P., Lucido, P. I., Iringan, T. C., and R. B. Javier (2008). Curriculum development. Quezon City: Lorimar Publishing, Inc.
© 2015 January 9 M. G. Alvior | Updated: 6 December 2020
To someone who wrote me anonymously on February 8, 2016 at 9:58AM. Here are my answers:
As to specific examples of Philosophical, Historical, Psychological, and Social Foundations, please read the thread of conversations or comments in this article. You can find the answers there.
Then, for the example of philosophy based on the existing philosophies of education through graphic organizers, please read my two articles from this site. Go to contents and look for, Edecolepmentalism and then. read this link, https://simplyeducate.me/wordpress_Y/2014/10/26/translating-the-edecolepmentalism-philosophy-into-a-universitys-vision-goals-and-program-objectives/.
Can I ask a help?
In my fs 4, im going to evolve my own philosophy based on the exesting philosophies of education and illustrate through a graphic organizer.
Can you give me an example?
Hi, Vanz. Please try to read my two articles:
1. https://simplyeducate.me/wordpress_Y/2014/06/09/edecolepmentalism-a-personal-philosophy-in-higher-education/
2. https://simplyeducate.me/wordpress_Y/2014/10/26/translating-the-edecolepmentalism-philosophy-into-a-universitys-vision-goals-and-program-objectives/
About graphic organizer, you can explain that using graphs, concept mapping, flowchart, etc. Thanks.
Hi ma’am mary can u pls help me? Will u pls give me an example of graphic organizer based on existing philosophies of education?pls.put even a short explanation thank you and godbless…
Hi, April. Actually, I don’t really get what you mean. There are many graphic organizers, such as charts, diagrams, flowchart, KWL, venn diagram, among others. Probably, you are asked by your teacher to explain the existing educational philosophies through graphic organizers. Because as far as I know, graphic organizers are used as a way of explaining ideas in a systematic and logical manner. They are used particularly for visual learners. No particular graphic organizer is based on a particular educational philosophy. Please clarify to your teacher what he/she really meant. Thanks a lot.
I think she’s trying to say that evolve your own philosophy based on the existing philosophies of education and illustrate it through a graphic organizer. then, explain it.
As a student of educational management, I have really benefited from the presentation. This will help me in understanding the module/course in curriculum studies.
Thank you so much, Sir Donald.
Thank you so much, Sir! I appreciate it. If you don’t mind how did you do it? I would be glad if you could show or give me a proof that indeed you used my post in this site. Please email me at simplyeducateme1mga@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mary
Hello! thank for ur contribution i fed with ur post in my accademic carrier becouse i offer one course that correspond ur post .
You are welcome.
Hi! Ms. Mary, here’s my another question. What will you do to make sure that you will be able to effectively implement the curriculum at the classroom level?
Hi! Sorry for a late reply. I will monitor and evaluate it. Thanks.
..we’re on the same page Aileen.. 🙂
Thanks for dropping by, Askyme.
Is there anything common that binds the philosophical, sociological, paychology, historical, and legal bases of the curriculum?
Hi, Aileen. Thanks for reading my article. As to your question, I think it is the purpose that binds all. If the purpose of putting up a school, institute, or a university is clear, then the owners, the school administrators or the governing body can choose what kind of philosophical, psychological, sociological, historical bases they must adopt including the legal bases and the emerging foundation which is based on economy. Remember, a school cannot exist without espousing these major foundations.
Hi Ms. Mary, thank you for your informative answers. It helps me a lot.
would you send me any cuuriculum material whchi help me for my PhD program please?
Please, kindly highlight these psychologica theories:cognitivism , behaviorism and humanism and it’s influence on education for me.
Hi, Gloria. The article answers your questions in an indirect manner. But don’t you worry, I will give you specific examples and their influence to education..
1. BEHAVIORISM – promotes drills, repetition and memory recall – – – the use of audio lingual approach in teaching language (English & Filipino). Another influence is asking students to memorize rules, lessons, facts or events. Asking and answering questions with who, what, when and where.
2. COGNITIVISM – promotes critical thinking, etc. – – – use of problem solving, experiments, field trips.
3. HUMANISM – promotes human potential, educates the minds and hearts – – – use of value-laden lessons, or after discussing the lesson, the teacher must introduce some values (virtues) that can be deduced from the topic.
You may also read the article below, and other articles in this website. Just look at the left side corner of your desktop, click EDUCATION, and go to CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION.
https://simplyeducate.me/wordpress_Y/2014/12/03/six-famous-curriculum-theorists-and-their-contributions-to-education/
I wish that I am able to help you. I suggest that you read other articles or books about your questions. Thanks a lot.
Helo miss Mary
Please help with following theories..mental discipline theory,natural unfoldment theory,behavouirism and cognitivism.I can define them but could you please explain their philosophical outlooks for eachof these theories in relation of curriculum design and development in schools especially primary schools
kindly tell me how socialogical foundation has influenced development in education with relevant exampes
Hi, Betty! That’s also a good topic to write about. If I have time, I will write about it. Thanks so much and God bless.
That’s great,now how does the psychological aspect in curriculum foundation contribute to curriculum development in Kenya?
Hi Mary, thanks for the good research you have done in the field of curriculum.
Kindly give me some information about Historical foundations of curriculum design
Hi, Andrew! Kindly click this link, https://simplyeducate.me/wordpress_Y/2014/12/03/six-famous-curriculum-theorists-and-their-contributions-to-education/
That’s also my article about historical foundation of curriculum. If you cant open that link, just google or bing, 6 famous curriculum theorists and their contributions to education. I hope that I can help you with this. God bless.
Hi Mary,I really love the way you are handling this field of curriculum.I would like to pursue a masters program in curriculum.Could you please guide me…thanks in advance
Hi, Steven. Thanks so much. Yes, it is my pleasure to help you. Just let me know. 🙂
Mary, thanks for your wonderful efforts to present this information . I will be more glad if you add something on professional foundation and educational foundations. be blessed
Dear Kibet,
Thanks for your suggestion. Yeah, those topics are also essential. If I have time, I will write again. God bless!
Good day maam,can you give the meaning of legal bases of curriculum,.
Thank you maam
wooow!!!!!!!!!!! what a succes…..good work.
Hi, Francis! Thanks for reading.
well documented, i hope you will be able to able in curriculum development. My question is these :philosophy,psychology,sociology and history are the major foundations of curriculum.may u shed some more light on the above wth specific reference to how they can be linked.
Please Mary help me out on this .
1.the importance of psychogical foundations to curriculum developers
2.importance of sociological foundations to curriculum developers
Dear Kirui Haroon,
We, curriculum developers, recognize the importance of psychology and sociology in designing a curriculum. Psychology is important because it gives us ideas about the teaching and learning process. A curriculum that is written may seem perfect, but once we implement it in the classroom, some problems may arise because we are handling different individuals. So, we have to think and analyse (or shall I say, psychologize) our students in order for them to learn and understand what we teach or facilitate.
Likewise, sociology is important particularly now that our education is getting global. We need to know how students will react in a multi-cultural setting and we need to avoid or lessen the problems in our society. Sociology can help us solve problems in life.
I hope that I have answered your question. Thanks a lot.
Good afternoon kindly explain how those foundation reflect the development of curriculum in th 21st century classroom
Describe the different foundation of curriculum
good morning maam. What is best example of each foundations of curriculum for elamantary?
Hi! Thanks for reading my article. The foundations of curriculum can be seen or manifested in too many ways. It can be the subjects, strategies, and activities inside and outside the school. As to your question, I think I could not give you the best example because that would be quite debatable. But here are specific examples for each:
Philosophy – the emphasis 3Rs (reading, writing, and arithmetic), as basic subjects.
History – lessons like our national heroes, national plants and animals.
Sociology – field trips like visiting the zoo.
Psychology – the use of audio-lingual approach or reading dialogues (from behaviourism).
I hope that I am able to answer your question.
Thanks a lot.
Hi, Obadiah! Thank you so much. You may also read other articles in that site. Just take a look at the contents. Enjoy reading!
Thanks, Obadiah.
Mary, I wish know the courses you offered during your Msc. Programme, Please.
Dear Michael,
Hi! Thanks for reading, but can you be specific what information you need? Are you asking for my courses during my MSc, or are you asking the courses that we offer for MSc Program? Since this site is not owned by a university, Dr. Patrick Regoniel currently works in Palawan State University in the Philippines. He is a professor in the Graduate School. His specializations are Environmental Science and Public Administration. You may write or contact him in this site if you are interested in our Graduate School Programs. If you still have other questions, I am willing to help you.Again, thank you so much.
Regards,
Mary
Dear Michael,
Hi! Thanks for reading, but can you be specific what information you need? Are you asking for my courses during my MSc, or are you asking the courses that we offer for MSc Program? Since this site is not owned by a university, Dr. Patrick Regoniel currently works in Palawan State University in the Philippines. He is a professor in the Graduate School. His specializations are Environmental Science and Public Administration. You may write or contact him in this site if you are interested in our Graduate School Programs. If you still have other questions, I am willing to help you. Again, thank you so much.
Regards,
Mary
So i am asian man so i hardly to understand the contexts, so can u answer what’s the most important of studying Foundation of education?
Hi, Mathsary. The most important reason for studying the foundation of education is that it contains all the essential concepts. If you know them well, you will be a qualified, efficient and compassionate teacher someday.
Good after noon kindly explain how those foundation reflect the development of foundation in the 21st century classroom
Then,describe the different foundation of curriculum
Hi, Tom! I don’t exactly get what you mean. But if you don’t clearly understand something , please ask me and I am willing to help you. Thank you so much.
Regards,
Mary
Can you please give or cite a situations or samples of each foundations of curriculum? I need it for the completion of my Field Study subject…ASAP please..
HI! It would be easier for me to answer you if I know your field of specialization or degree, so that I can explain it well. Anyway, I will give you examples as to how a curriculum can be developed using the four foundations. Let’s simplify it. If you are doing it for a degree program (macro level), It means that the subjects to be offered be related to the four foundations. For example, students should have at least one subject under philosophy, history, psychology and sociology as part of the basic subjects. However, it depends on your Curriculum Development Committee guidelines, procedures, and policies. In some universities, the subjects are arranged as: basic, major, cognates, and electives. So, in the basic subjects, you can think or choose a particular subject under philosophy, and so on. Here are the specific examples (Philippine setting):
Philosophy – Introduction to Philosophy/ Philosophy and Logic
History – History of the Philippines
Psychology – Introduction to Psychology
Sociology – Physical Education
You may also think of other subjects that are related to the program and to the need of the students. In the Philippines, there is a Commission on Higher Education that set the minimum standards. It prescribes what subjects to take and how many units be given per subject, per semester, and the total units for the program. My only suggestion is to have at least one subject as a representative of each major foundation. However, there are already reforms in the educational system. The basic subjects are now placed in Grades 11 and 12, in the Philippines. I hope I am able to answer your questions. God bless to your endeavour.
How does child psychology influence curriculum design? (Using psycho social theory)
Hi Ma’am Mary help me on this please… tnx
what are the philosophical thoughts which serves as the foundation of k-12 curriculum? elaborate their implication to quality delivery of instructional?
no he is just encouraging people to read much
Foundations of curriculum are also referred to as the bases of curriculum, which
determine the quality of curriculum decisions. They are defined as the values, traditions,
factors, and forces which influence the kind, quantity and quality of the experiences
students are offered in schools. Discuss the four major foundations of curriculum.
Madam kindly help.
beneficial to all classes of people in the education & many more.
Hi, Heng Srien! Thank you so much for a wonderful comment. I wish that you will also share this site to your family and friends. God bless.
can i ask if you can give some examples of situation where those foundation of curriculum can be use? each foundtion
thanks a lot
thank you for your good views.welcome Arusha Tanzania
Hi,purchased your ebook awhile ago. But i think i missed some links to download it. I have the email xonfirmation with me for the payment. I really need your help.thank you
Thank u so mch mary. The info is helpful
How can i contact you ?
Hi. I am a student of department of education 5th semester and, I ask that how philosophy contribute curriculum
hi mam can i ask, how are these foundations interrelated to one another in crafting a curriculum?
Hi, Mary thank you for many information but can I ask you this? Why is there “One UP” (One University of the Philippines) now in the Philippines?