Taba's Model of Curriculum vs. Wheeler's Model of Curriculum

Attribute	Taba's Model of Curriculum	Wheeler's Model of Curriculum
Focus	Student-centered	Subject-centered
Process	Interactive and collaborative	Linear and sequential
Role of teacher	Facilitator and guide	Expert and transmitter of knowledge
Curriculum development	Based on student needs and interests	Based on predetermined content and objectives

Introduction

Curriculum development is a complex process that involves various models and approaches. Two prominent models in the field of education are Taba's Model of Curriculum and Wheeler's Model of Curriculum. Both models have their own unique attributes and characteristics that shape the way curriculum is designed and implemented. In this article, we will compare and contrast the key features of Taba's Model of Curriculum and Wheeler's Model of Curriculum.

Taba's Model of Curriculum

Taba's Model of Curriculum, developed by Hilda Taba, is a student-centered approach to curriculum development. This model emphasizes the importance of considering the needs, interests, and abilities of students when designing curriculum. Taba believed that curriculum should be flexible and responsive to the individual needs of students, rather than being rigid and standardized. In Taba's Model, curriculum development is a collaborative process that involves teachers, students, and other stakeholders working together to create a curriculum that is meaningful and relevant to the learners.

• Student-centered approach
• Flexible and responsive curriculum
• Collaborative curriculum development

Wheeler's Model of Curriculum

Wheeler's Model of Curriculum, developed by David Wheeler, is a more traditional and subject-centered approach to curriculum development. This model focuses on the content and structure of the curriculum, with an emphasis on organizing knowledge into a coherent and logical sequence. Wheeler believed that curriculum should be based on a predetermined set of objectives and outcomes, which guide the teaching and learning process. In Wheeler's Model, curriculum development is a systematic and structured process that follows a linear progression from planning to implementation.

• Subject-centered approach
• Emphasis on content and structure
• Systematic and structured curriculum development

Comparing Attributes

When comparing Taba's Model of Curriculum and Wheeler's Model of Curriculum, several key attributes stand out. Taba's Model is characterized by its student-centered approach, which prioritizes the needs and interests of learners. In contrast, Wheeler's Model is more subject-centered, focusing on the content and structure of the curriculum. Taba's Model emphasizes flexibility and collaboration in curriculum development, while Wheeler's Model is more systematic and structured in its approach.

Another key difference between the two models is their view on curriculum objectives. Taba's Model advocates for a more open-ended and flexible approach to setting objectives, allowing for a greater degree of student input and autonomy. On the other hand, Wheeler's Model emphasizes the importance of predetermined objectives that guide the teaching and learning process in a more linear fashion.

Furthermore, Taba's Model places a strong emphasis on the process of curriculum development, highlighting the importance of collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders. In contrast, Wheeler's Model focuses more on the end product of curriculum development, with an emphasis on the final curriculum document and its implementation in the classroom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Taba's Model of Curriculum and Wheeler's Model of Curriculum represent two distinct approaches to curriculum development. Taba's Model is characterized by its student-centered, flexible, and collaborative approach, while Wheeler's Model is more subject-centered, structured, and systematic in nature. Both models have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them will depend on the specific context and goals of the curriculum development process. By understanding the key attributes of each model, educators can make informed decisions about which approach best suits their needs and the needs of their students.