Project-based learning (PBL) is an inquiry-based approach that aims to engage students in challenging, active, and meaningful experiences connected to the world outside the classroom (Baines et al., 2021a). Project-based learning can improve student performance on traditional measures of academic achievement, build social and emotional learning…

There are considerable differences in the structure, content, and delivery of tertiary journalism degrees in Australia as identified in a 2014 Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT) Innovation and Development Project report on graduate qualities and journalism curriculum renewal. To address this situation, the author argues for journalism capstone…

This article explores the rationale for the 2011-2013 review of the National Curriculum in England, a rationale informed by the work of an Expert Panel chaired by the author. The focus is on the fundamental principles that determine the nature and content of the curriculum. The approach adopted by the review is contrasted with that adopted when…

Organic chemistry is often considered to be a difficult subject to teach and to learn, particularly as students prefer to resort to memorization alone rather than reasoning using models from chemical reactivity. Existing studies have led us to suggest principles for redefining the curriculum, ranging from its overall structure to the tasks given…

In designing a capstone experience, legal educators may encounter a number of tensions between competing pedagogical imperatives and conflicting capstone principles. Should we focus on teaching content or should we focus on developing skills? Should we emphasise integration and consolidation of knowledge, or transition and the development of…

The University of South Africa (UNISA) has recently redesigned its honors degree in Gender Studies. The course design team members have been mindful of three key factors while redesigning this degree. First, we are aligning our course design with the demands of open and distance learning (ODL) and UNISA's institutional move to online delivery of…

This essay explores the nature of the curriculum content of liberal studies--a core school subject in the new senior secondary curriculum in Hong Kong--with reference to the curriculum-making processes entailed in the formation of that subject. The central thesis is that a school subject is introduced to schools and classrooms as a distinct…

Recent years, increasing diverse attitudes to religious education in the classroom make many private and public school face the controversy of "should religion be taught as a subject at schools?" (Kaiser, 2003; Slattery & Rapp, 2003; Wallace, Forman, Caldwell & Willis, 2003.) As a result, many administrators and teachers are making efforts in…

A criterion for development of syllabi for mathematics courses is discussed. This criterion is based on the biogenetic law that individuals develop through all the stages of the development of the species. (SD)

A framework for curriculum design and a set of guidelines for curriculum development in gifted education are presented. The major dimensions guiding curriculum development for gifted students are: content, process, product, and learning environment. Curriculum content should be developed in such a way that it becomes more abstract, complex,…

A description is given of a college physical education course, "Non-Traditional Team Sports," in which the affective goals assume primary importance. A secondary emphasis is placed on lifelong physical fitness as a by-product of the program. Topics discussed include student responsibility, student journals, discipline, and curriculum objectives.…

This report provides documents, categorized under five different sections, to be used as guidelines for curriculum development. The first section, "Model Board Policy for Comprehensive Planning," outlines responsibilities of local education boards in curriculum development and provides examples to consider for policy development. The second…

Demonstrates the similarities between the social studies curricula of Quebec and other Canadian provinces. Examines these in the context of criticisms that Quebec's curricula is divisive and chauvinistic. Refutes these charges and maintains that Quebec's emphasis on local history is no greater than that of other districts. (MJP)

Compares and contrasts the social studies curricula in two Canadian provinces. Saskatchewan has adopted a student-centered approach emphasizing transformative knowledge and transactional strategies. Alberta is focusing more on knowledge acquisition and traditional assessment. Considers the reasons for these differences and proposes some directions…

Attempts to sort out and address many of the issues, controversies, and concerns surrounding Ontario's adoption of a common curriculum. Finds confusion and factionalism on both sides exacerbated by a preponderance of jargon. Identifies and defines key features of the common curriculum. (MJP)