Focusing on the case of mathematics, this paper reviews debates on China's new Basic Education Curriculum Reform program, including the status of knowledge within the reformed curriculum, the arrangement of the curriculum system, and the push toward real-life applicability and hands-on participation. It discusses the related challenges that…

This publication is a legal document that specifies the minimum performance outcomes for student learning within a three-course sequence. These outcomes are defined in terms of the contexts for language learning, the communicative acts that students will engage in and the repertoire needed to carry out these acts. The overarching goal of this…

This book provides a broad perspective on the basic curriculum questions educators face in the schools regarding the purposes, content, design, and structure of educational programs. In discussing basic issues of curriculum theory, some questions are raised: (1) How have people structured educational programs and instruction in an attempt to serve…

This book, working from an educator-defined set of curriculum tasks and their allotted time frames, provides a mechanism for linking instructional theory with classroom practices. Chapter titles are: (1) The Tasks of Curriculum Development; (2) Developing Major Goal Statements; (3) Assembling a Psychological Model for the Dominant Educable…

This paper presents an overview of research on academic tasks in the classroom and describes some of the themes that are emerging from studies in this area. The concept of "academic task" is defined along with problems associated with using this theoretical construct in classroom research. Three conceptions of how content should be represented to…

A discussion of language curriculum design for promoting learner autonomy looks at the objectives of such a curriculum, the learning implied by those objectives, and the function and relevance of the learnings. (Author/MSE)

A symposium was held in Berne, Switzerland, in March 1996 to define the key competencies that secondary students should acquire to prepare for either employment or higher education. This document summarizes the symposium discussions of plenary sessions and working groups, comprised of teachers and school managers. The conference participants…

The concept of "curriculum alignment" is based on the principle that, if instructional accomplishments are to be reliably obtained, three things must line up: instructional objectives, testing systems, and classroom instruction. The task of aligning a curriculum is described as requiring four attitudinal approaches: (1) Teachers and…

This book offers an approach to curriculum decision making aimed at helping Catholic schools become or remain values-based, learning-centered communities for the 21st century. The outcomes-based approach argues that educators have three primary responsibilities--identify what is the significant learning, design valid ways for students to…

This series is intended for music educators and features speeches and articles by leaders in music and arts education on a wide variety of current issues. This publication deals with the move of the music education profession to a position based on aesthetic considerations. The study of music structure and history must be encouraged to enhance…

Discusses curriculum theory in the context of professional education for library and information science, and outlines steps necessary for curriculum planning: (1) diagnosis of needs; (2) formulation of objectives; (3) selection of content from the universe of knowledge; (4) selection of learning experience; (5) organization of learning materials;…

Proposing an educational maxim that education is for self-fulfillment and societal adaptation, the paper argues that the educational methods or teaching strategies of "learning self-fulfillment" must be different. The curriculum must be rational and flexible, exposing a child to as many things as possible to facilitate self-fulfillment.…

Contends that, although social studies teachers want students to think, research indicates that most teaching emphasizes knowledge, leaving few opportunities for students to think about it. Discusses criteria to assist teachers and strategies that promote student thinking. (CFR)

Contends that the best way to learn about citizenship is by discussing real societal issues that are connected to student interests. Maintains that a democratic classroom environment also provides an opportunity for practicing civic values. Provides four guidelines for establishing community service projects in the schools. (CFR)

Contends that instruction at the primary school level should be consistent with the child's development and experiences. Describes how geography's "Five Themes" can be taught using an interdisciplinary approach. Includes three lesson plans divided among concrete, semiconcrete, and abstract levels of cognitive development. (CFR)