Week 1 Discussion 1 - Perspectives on Four Curriculum Traditions

As you consider William Schubert's "Perspectives on Four Curriculum Traditions" from the authors of your text, which curriculum orientation is most compatible with your views?

As an elementary music teacher, the curriculum orientation that is most compatible with my views is absolutely the experientialist speaker.  I have always had a very causal climate in my teaching and classroom and want the students to be engaged in what they are learning.  I use current music as much as possible to teach curriculum and standards in music.  The idea that students are genuinely interested in what they are learning about is the key to a progressive type of curriculum where the teacher is not the center of learning.

Which one is least compatible?

The least compatible curriculum tradition with my personal views is the critical reconstructionist speaker. I believe that the overly serious approach with students, especially young learners, is ineffective.  I also would rather be too hopeful in my experientialist view, than continue to place students in a “box” of race, class, and gender. 

Which one would you be inclined to implement when you become the new school executive?

I see the combination of curriculum traditions being most effective as a school leader. Encouraging teachers, and students, to continually research and gain knowledge as well as experiences, is important to grow in curriculum instruction.  The focus should be on the whole child learning and reaching their full potential, with the question of “what” we are doing and “why” we are doing it as the central element of teaching.