Tyler and Wheeler are two influential curriculum models that have shaped the way education is approached and delivered in schools. While both models have their own unique features, they also have some similarities in terms of their underlying philosophy and approach to curriculum development. In this essay, we will compare and contrast Tyler's and Wheeler's curriculum models to better understand the key differences and similarities between them.
Tyler's curriculum model, also known as the Tyler Rationale, is a systematic approach to curriculum development that emphasizes the importance of learning objectives and instructional strategies. According to Tyler, the purpose of education is to help students achieve specific learning outcomes, and the curriculum should be designed with this goal in mind. Tyler's model outlines a four-step process for curriculum development, starting with the identification of learning objectives, followed by the selection of content, the design of instructional strategies, and the evaluation of student learning.
One of the key features of Tyler's model is its focus on learning objectives. Tyler believes that learning objectives should be clear, measurable, and achievable, and should be used to guide the development of the curriculum. By specifying the learning objectives in advance, educators can ensure that the curriculum is aligned with the goals of the educational program and that students are learning what they need to know in order to be successful.
Another key feature of Tyler's model is its emphasis on instructional strategies. According to Tyler, the most effective instructional strategies are those that are well-suited to the learning objectives and that engage students in active learning. This may involve using a variety of teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, hands-on activities, and problem-based learning.
Wheeler's curriculum model, on the other hand, is a more flexible approach to curriculum development that emphasizes the importance of adapting the curriculum to the needs and interests of individual students. According to Wheeler, the curriculum should be responsive to the needs and interests of students, and should be designed to meet their unique learning styles and abilities.
One of the key features of Wheeler's model is its focus on student-centered learning. Rather than imposing a fixed curriculum on students, Wheeler's model encourages educators to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs and interests of individual students. This may involve using a variety of teaching methods and materials, and allowing students to have more control over their own learning experiences.
Another key feature of Wheeler's model is its emphasis on collaboration and inquiry. Rather than simply conveying information to students, Wheeler's model encourages educators to facilitate collaborative learning and inquiry-based activities, in which students work together to explore and discover new ideas.
Despite these differences, Tyler's and Wheeler's models both share a commitment to improving student learning and promoting the development of critical thinking skills. Both models recognize the importance of aligning the curriculum with the goals of the educational program and of designing instructional strategies that are well-suited to the needs and abilities of individual students.
In conclusion, Tyler's and Wheeler's curriculum models offer different approaches to curriculum development, with Tyler's model emphasizing the importance of learning objectives and instructional strategies, and Wheeler's model emphasizing the importance of student-centered learning and collaboration. However, both models share a commitment to improving student learning and promoting the development of critical thinking skills.
