A curriculum theory begins in the transference of meaning from the familiar and the comprehensible to the abstract and perplexing problems arising from the actual teaching situation. These metaphors that evolve into theories serve to direct research by creating a symbolic language. (JN)

Since education is both a science and an art, it is difficult for curriculum theorists to develop rules and principles which apply to both aspects. Practical uses of curriculum theory include the application of existing models to specific situations, and practitioners using their own practical experiences and relating them to curriculum models.…

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)