Some theorists are rejecting the traditional model of curriculum and raising questions about the relationship between schools and society. (Author/MLF)

The supposed gulf between curriculum development as it is practiced, and curriculum theory, may be an imaginary one, this article suggests. Textbook curriculum axioms are used to analyze Mississippi's Accountability and Instructional Management program, and it is found to be consistent with the theory taught in college classrooms. (DCS)

Research on three classroom environment instruments is discussed, including predictive validity studies and criterion validity studies. A heuristic model involving curriculum, aptitude, environment, and learning is used to conceptualize the variables' roles in curriculum evaluation research. Evidence suggests that curriculum influences classroom…

The holistic approach to curriculum has four essential characteristics: (1) integrating questions about means and ends; (2) using many specific inquiry modes; (3) emphasizing conceptual questions; and (4) generating certain methodological and practical needs a holistic vision to make sense. Includes seven references. (MLH)

Curriculum planning is presented as an ideological theory which is both a contributor to and instrument of social policy. A statement of theory is essential for discussions of core curriculum, and, more importantly, for clarifying the purpose of education within society (f=fiche number). (CP)

Differentiates among several conceptions of curriculum, including the formal curriculum, the teacher-created and student-influenced curriculum, and the hidden curriculum. Explores new options disclosed by recent research and raises implications and issues related to them. Includes seven references. (MLH)

Curriculum theory and its function are defined, and its present state is discussed. A model which can be used to bring order to the field of curriculum theory is presented. (CJ)

Reports an experiment which tests the hypothesis that the process of curriculum development affects the resulting curriculum. Describes developed models of curriculum. Concludes that the hypothesis cannot be rejected and that curriculum models do influence the resulting curriculum. (KO)

Treating curriculum out of context is mostly responsible for the disappointments of curriculum theory in practice. Decontextualization has conceptually separated curriculum from its design and use; operationally, curriculum is separated from its structural and sociocultural contexts. The alternative--curriculum in context--can inform research,…

Defining curriculum design as a critically examined theoretical framework for developing curriculum, this document examines various decision-making processes of planning curriculum. Discussed are the importance of curriculum design, and attempts to examine four systems of curriculum thought, along with curriculum design currently available for…

Presents an overview of changing concerns in British curriculum research since 1950. The discussion covers the role of government agencies in curriculum research, the demand for both practical curriculum evaluation and theoretical models, new directions of study and recent paradigm shifts. (AM)

The dual role of teachers as in-the-field researchers and independent workers is considered in light of a curriculum development approach that initiates program development at the teacher level, encourages active teacher participation in decision making and research and development, and facilitates flexible planning. An illustrative case study is…

Presents an alternative to the research-development-diffusion model of mathematics education based on an integration of curriculum research and design embedded in educational development. Explicates the characteristics of developmental research and discusses its methodological aspects. (53 references) (Author/MKR)

Discusses the desirability of curriculum reform, the status quo, and difficulties facing those who challenge fundamental assumptions of subject matter design and sanctioned practice. The article suggests alternative models of curriculum design and practice, highlighting structural changes needed in classroom instruction, professional education,…

This article describes a research model that can help curriculum developers document both curriculum practices in the schools and perceptions of those practices by scholars, state department of education staff, teachers, and others. The model was developed to guide the collection of research data for John Goodlad's "Study of Schooling." (PP)