Taba Model of Curriculum Development vs. Wheeler Model of Curriculum Development

Attribute	Taba Model of Curriculum Development	Wheeler Model of Curriculum Development
Approach	Bottom-up approach	Top-down approach
Focus	Student needs and interests	Societal needs and goals
Process	Interactive and collaborative	Systematic and structured
Flexibility	Flexible and adaptable	Rigid and standardized

Introduction

Curriculum development is a crucial aspect of education that involves the planning and implementation of educational programs. There are various models of curriculum development that educators can use to guide their curriculum planning process. Two popular models are the Taba Model and the Wheeler Model. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two models to understand their similarities and differences.

Taba Model

The Taba Model of Curriculum Development was developed by Hilda Taba, an Estonian-born American educator. This model emphasizes a more student-centered approach to curriculum planning. In the Taba Model, the curriculum development process begins with the identification of specific educational objectives. These objectives are then used to determine the content, learning experiences, and assessment methods that will be included in the curriculum. The Taba Model also emphasizes the importance of collaboration among educators, students, and other stakeholders in the curriculum development process.

• Student-centered approach
• Focus on educational objectives
• Emphasis on collaboration

Wheeler Model

The Wheeler Model of Curriculum Development, on the other hand, was developed by David Wheeler, a British educator. This model takes a more systematic and structured approach to curriculum planning. In the Wheeler Model, the curriculum development process is divided into several stages, including needs assessment, goal setting, content selection, implementation, and evaluation. This model emphasizes the importance of aligning the curriculum with the needs and goals of the learners, as well as the broader educational context.

• Systematic and structured approach
• Emphasis on needs assessment
• Focus on alignment with learner needs and goals

Comparison

While the Taba Model and the Wheeler Model have some differences in their approaches to curriculum development, they also share some common attributes. Both models emphasize the importance of setting clear educational objectives that guide the curriculum planning process. They also highlight the need for collaboration among educators, students, and other stakeholders to ensure that the curriculum meets the needs of the learners. Additionally, both models recognize the importance of ongoing evaluation and revision of the curriculum to ensure its effectiveness.

• Emphasis on setting clear educational objectives
• Importance of collaboration among stakeholders
• Recognition of the need for ongoing evaluation and revision

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Taba Model and the Wheeler Model of Curriculum Development are two popular approaches that educators can use to guide their curriculum planning process. While the Taba Model takes a more student-centered approach and emphasizes collaboration, the Wheeler Model is more systematic and structured, focusing on needs assessment and alignment with learner goals. Both models share common attributes such as the importance of setting clear educational objectives, collaboration among stakeholders, and ongoing evaluation and revision of the curriculum. Educators can choose the model that best fits their educational context and goals to develop effective and meaningful curricula.