What are factors affecting curriculum development?
Several factors affect all curriculum development in meeting the
needs of 21st century learners in both organized academic settings
and corporation learning centers. Blueprinting curriculum
development requires selecting learning goals, designing knowledge
delivery models while creating assessment methods for individual
and group progress. Factors affecting curriculum development
include government norms, which in turn brings other factors into
the process. Valid curriculum development requires awareness of the
diversity of the target community socially, financially and
psychologically.
1. Political
Politics affect curriculum development in numerous ways.
How politics influences curriculum design and development starts
with funding. Both private and public educational institutions rely
on funding for hiring personnel, building and maintaining
facilities and equipment. All aspects of curriculum depend on
local, state and national political standards. From defining goals,
interpreting curricular materials to approving examination systems,
politics affects curriculum development.
2. Economic
Economics influences curriculum development.
Curriculum developed for in house training in corporations
focuses on educating employees for promotions that bring better
returns in profits. Nations financing education expect an economic
return from educated students contributing to the country's economy
with global competition abilities in technical fields. Curriculum
content influences learner goals, standards for academic
achievement with an underlying influence of the nation's
economy.
3. Technological
Technology driven curriculum development is the norm of the 21st
century.
The computer technology of the 21st century influences
curriculum development at every level of learning. Learning centers
and classrooms increasingly provide computers as requisite
interaction for studies among students. Technological multimedia
use influences educational goals and learning experiences among
students. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer technology
are in increase in popularity.
4. Diversity
Curriculum development affect from diversity opens learning
opportunities.
Social diversity including religion, culture and social
groupings affects curriculum development because these
characteristics influence the types of topics and methods for
teaching information. Developing relevant curriculum takes into
account society's expectations, accommodating group traditions and
promoting equality.
5. Learning Theories
Psychology of learning theories affects curriculum
development.
Both child and adult learning theories within the psychology
field influence curriculum development. Understanding the
psychology behind learning theories implemented in curriculum
development maximizes learning with content, delivery, interactive
activities and experiences initiated at the most opportune teaching
moment.
6. Environment
Environment issues affect curriculum development.
World awareness and action toward reversing and ending pollution
continues affecting curriculum development. Typical elementary
classrooms teach recycling and healthy environmental practices.
Higher education in the sciences offers environmentally-focused
degrees.