Curriculum Theory – EDUC 771

Course Description

Addresses the theoretical constructs of the K-12 curriculum as related to the nature and function of curriculum, the curriculum development process, and curriculum evaluation procedures.

Rationale

The proper development and implementation of curriculum is not possible without a thorough understanding of the philosophical and theoretical perspectives that shape the process. Beginning with a thorough analysis of these perspectives, emphasis will then be given to the role each perspective plays in the curriculum development as well as the teaching and learning processes. This course aligns with the Liberty University School of Education’s Conceptual Framework and Liberty University’s Mission and Purpose Statement through studies of curriculum theory topics, including: curriculum research; curriculum influences on leadership, teaching, and learning; biblical curriculum integrity; and responsible curriculum considerations.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be 300 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the candidate is required to reply to two other classmates' threads. Each reply must be 200 words. (CLO: D, F, I)

Curriculum Change Plan Assignments

In this seven-part project, the candidate will develop a Curriculum Change Plan and provide a presentation that describes the plan to selected stakeholders. Throughout each part of the project, the candidate must set priorities for the targeted curriculum theory issues, address the biblical worldview, and use scriptural support. The instructor will grade the project by each part’s rubric terms. 

Curriculum Change Plan: Part 1 - Research Matrix Assignment

In Part 1 of this project, the candidate will research and select a topic for the curriculum change plan. The candidate's selected topic will become the focus for all the following parts of the Curriculum Change Plan. This assignment will lead the candidate through essential preliminary research for the following parts of the Curriculum Change Plan.

The candidate must identify five scholarly, research-based resources on the selected curriculum change plan topic that have been published within the last five years. Reputable websites, journal articles, and books are all acceptable sources. The candidate will then follow the provided template to complete this part of the project. (CLO: D, I)

Curriculum Change Plan: Part 2 - Philosophies and Issues for Change Assignment

The candidate will explore a focus curriculum philosophy, values, character education, social influences, and political influences for the selected curriculum change topic. These considerations are essential for the candidate's philosophical understanding of the Curriculum Change Plan.

The candidate will discuss these topics in a maximum of 2000 words (minimum of 1,500 words), not including the title page or references section. The candidate is to use complete, error-free sentences, at least six scholarly resources, at least two in-text citations from a book, and at least one Bible verse to support claims. The candidate should cite and attribute all information correctly in all needed locations and use correct APA formatting for the entire assignment, including all in-text citations and references. (CLO: A, B, F, H) 

Curriculum Change Plan: Part 3 - Textbook or Digital Resource Chart Assignment

The candidate will evaluate one textbook or digital resource for the Curriculum Change Plan. The candidate will also connect the textbook or digital resource information to standards and curriculum theory models. These analyses are essential for the soundness of the Curriculum Change Plan. The candidate should follow the provided template.

The template selections must be complete. The candidate should use complete, error-free sentences and include at least six scholarly resources to support claims. The candidate must also use at least two in-text citations from a book, and one Bible verse to support claims. The candidate should cite and attribute all information correctly in all needed locations and use correct APA formatting for the entire assignment, including all in-text citations and references. (CLO: F, G, I)

Curriculum Change Plan: Part 4 - Core Decisions Assignment

The candidate will examine and develop some core curriculum decisions for the Curriculum Change Plan. The candidate will discuss curriculum models, assessment, and evaluation for the plan. This information is essential for analyzing core curriculum components. The candidate will discuss these topics in a maximum of 2000 words (minimum of 1,500 words), not including the title page or references section. The candidate should use complete, error-free sentences and include at least six scholarly resources to support claims. The candidate must also use at least two in-text citations from a book, and one Bible verse to support claims. The candidate should cite and attribute all information correctly in all needed locations and use correct APA formatting for the entire assignment, including all in-text citations and references. (CLO: D, E, F, G)

Curriculum Change Plan: Part 5 - Curriculum Knowledge and Implementation Assignment

The candidate will explore curriculum integration approaches, student-centered approaches, and the hidden curriculum in this part of the plan. This assignment will contribute to the candidate’s knowledge base on curriculum needs. The candidate will discuss these topics in a maximum of 2000 words (minimum of 1,500 words), not including the title page or references section. The candidate should use complete, error-free sentences and include at least six scholarly resources to support claims. The candidate must also use at least two in-text citations from a book, and one Bible verse to support claims. The candidate should cite and attribute all information correctly in all needed locations and use correct APA formatting for the entire assignment, including all in-text citations and references. (CLO: C, E, F, I) 

Curriculum Change Plan: Part 6 - Technology and Innovation Plan Assignment

The candidate will analyze theories of technology and innovation, then apply this information to the curriculum change plan topic. This information is important for effective planning and technology resource allocation. The candidate will discuss these topics in a maximum of 2000 words (minimum of 1,500 words), not including the title page or references section. The candidate should use complete, error-free sentences and include at least six scholarly resources to support claims. The candidate must also use at least two in-text citations from a book, and one Bible verse to support claims. The candidate should cite and attribute all information correctly in all needed locations and use correct APA formatting for the entire assignment, including all in-text citations and references. (CLO: D, E, F, I) 

Curriculum Change Plan: Part 7 - Curriculum Change Presentation Assignment

The candidate will develop a detailed, technology-based presentation about his or her curriculum change plan. In this presentation, the candidate will present the curriculum change components and time frame in a manner that is engaging to stakeholders. This is essential for effectively conveying curriculum change information. The candidate is expected to develop a presentation that is at least 30 slides, is organized and viewer-friendly, uses correct APA formatting, and follows the presentation order provided in the assignment instructions. (CLO: E, F, I)

Quiz: Curriculum Reflection

In this quiz, the candidate will reflect on the topic of curriculum planning and consider the curriculum influences in his or her life. It is important that the candidate articulates personal perspectives on these topics, in order to have awareness of curriculum theory preferences and curriculum decisions. The candidate will also share views on the curriculum plan process and describe any course needs.

The quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 5 short-answer questions, and have a one hour time limit. (CLO: I)