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

Attribute	Tyler's Model of Curriculum	Wheeler's Model of Curriculum
Focus	Objectives and outcomes	Process and experience
Approach	Rational and systematic	Practical and experiential
Design	Linear and sequential	Flexible and cyclical
Implementation	Teacher-centered	Student-centered
Evaluation	Assessment of objectives	Assessment of process

Introduction

Curriculum development is a crucial aspect of education that involves planning, implementing, and evaluating the educational experiences of students. Two prominent models of curriculum development are Tyler's Model and Wheeler's Model. While both models aim to improve the quality of education, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare and contrast the key features of Tyler's Model of Curriculum and Wheeler's Model of Curriculum.

Tyler's Model of Curriculum

Tyler's Model of Curriculum, developed by Ralph Tyler in 1949, is one of the most widely used models in curriculum development. This model is based on four fundamental questions that guide the curriculum development process: What educational purposes should the school seek to attain? What educational experiences can be provided that are likely to attain these purposes? How can these educational experiences be effectively organized? How can we determine whether these purposes are being attained? Tyler's Model emphasizes the importance of clearly defined objectives, sequential learning experiences, and assessment of student learning outcomes.

One of the key strengths of Tyler's Model is its focus on clearly defined educational objectives. By establishing specific goals for student learning, educators can design curriculum that is purposeful and aligned with desired outcomes. Additionally, Tyler's Model emphasizes the importance of assessment in evaluating the effectiveness of the curriculum. By regularly assessing student learning outcomes, educators can make informed decisions about instructional strategies and curriculum revisions.

However, Tyler's Model has been criticized for its narrow focus on behavioral objectives and its lack of consideration for the broader social and cultural context of education. Some educators argue that this model may limit creativity and critical thinking in the curriculum development process. Despite these criticisms, Tyler's Model continues to be a valuable framework for designing curriculum that is goal-oriented and outcomes-driven.

Wheeler's Model of Curriculum

Wheeler's Model of Curriculum, developed by David Wheeler in 1967, offers a different approach to curriculum development. This model is based on the concept of curriculum as a process of inquiry and problem-solving. Wheeler's Model emphasizes the importance of engaging students in meaningful learning experiences that promote critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Unlike Tyler's Model, which focuses on predetermined objectives, Wheeler's Model encourages educators to adapt the curriculum to the needs and interests of students.

One of the key strengths of Wheeler's Model is its emphasis on student-centered learning. By involving students in the curriculum development process, educators can create learning experiences that are relevant and engaging. Wheeler's Model also promotes interdisciplinary learning and real-world applications, allowing students to make connections between different subject areas and apply their knowledge in practical contexts.

However, Wheeler's Model has been criticized for its lack of structure and clarity in defining educational objectives. Some educators argue that this model may lead to a fragmented curriculum that lacks coherence and continuity. Additionally, Wheeler's Model may require a high level of teacher expertise and creativity to implement effectively. Despite these criticisms, Wheeler's Model offers a valuable alternative to traditional curriculum development models by emphasizing student agency and inquiry-based learning.

Comparison

When comparing Tyler's Model of Curriculum and Wheeler's Model of Curriculum, several key differences emerge. Tyler's Model is characterized by its focus on predetermined objectives, sequential learning experiences, and assessment of student learning outcomes. In contrast, Wheeler's Model emphasizes student-centered learning, inquiry-based approaches, and real-world applications. While Tyler's Model provides a structured framework for curriculum development, Wheeler's Model offers flexibility and adaptability to meet the diverse needs of students.

• Tyler's Model focuses on clearly defined educational objectives, while Wheeler's Model emphasizes student agency and inquiry-based learning.
• Tyler's Model prioritizes assessment of student learning outcomes, while Wheeler's Model promotes interdisciplinary learning and real-world applications.
• Tyler's Model may limit creativity and critical thinking in the curriculum development process, while Wheeler's Model may require a high level of teacher expertise and creativity to implement effectively.

Despite their differences, both Tyler's Model and Wheeler's Model share a common goal of improving the quality of education through thoughtful curriculum development. Educators can benefit from considering the strengths and limitations of each model and adapting their approach to curriculum development based on the unique needs of their students and educational context.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tyler's Model of Curriculum and Wheeler's Model of Curriculum offer distinct approaches to curriculum development that reflect different philosophies and priorities. While Tyler's Model emphasizes predetermined objectives and assessment of student learning outcomes, Wheeler's Model prioritizes student-centered learning and inquiry-based approaches. Educators can benefit from understanding the key attributes of each model and incorporating elements of both models into their curriculum development practices to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences for students.