Concentric
- 1. ASSIGNMENT EDU – 09 THEORETICAL BASE OF GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION Concentric , Spiral And Topical Approaches Of Curriculum Submitted by Mohammed Ashraf.TK Candidate Code : 13361019 Optional Subject : Geography Emmanuel College of B.Ed Training
- 2. “Curriculum is a tool in the hands of an artist (Teacher) to mould his material (Pupils) according to his ideals (Objectives) in his studio (School) ” - Arthur Cunningham Approaches To Curriculum Development INTRODUCTION Curriculum is intimately related with all aspects of education. While education is a developmental process geared towards a coverted goal , curriculum is the input goal oriented direction to that process curriculum is the plan for guiding the goal-oriented educative process After topics have been selected according to the relevant fundamental principles described above,they have to be systematically arranged so as to facilitate meaningful and effective transaction. The content show be arranged in a systematic manner. Here follows a discussion of the various methods of organizing and arranging the curriculum. Concentric and spiral approaches
- 3. Concentric approach Spiral approach Bruner is the main exponent of approaches. The whole curriculum is spread over a number of years A general treatment of almost all the topics are attempted at the beginning and it is developed in successive years according to the mental development of the pupil. It follows the maxims of teaching such as whole to part , simple to complex ,easy to difficult. Sometimes this approach is referred as ‘Concentric approach’. But the term ‘Spiral approach’ is preferred by others. For example :- At Secondary level for creating idea about local climate of our country, some idea are given at the beginning standard. Gradually concepts are added in upcoming classes. In VIII standard students study generally about climate on northern hemisphere, at IX standard he examines factors which determine varying climatic distribution. When he reach X standard, student is now mentally capable to study more specifically about monsoon system of india.Its mechanism is studied in detail. Here follows a concentric and spiral approach of curriculum. Spiral approach The term ‘spiral ‘gives the implication that while attempting graduation the linkage too is taken care of and the continuity of the topic is never broken. Topical Approach Every subject of study involves a number of topics. A topic is a comprehensive collection of related learning materials pertaining to specific area of the subject systematically and sequentially arranged so as to get a holistic picture of those aspects. There might be large number of concepts, principles, process and skills associated with this area which act as related parts of a ‘whole’. Since these aspects are interrelated and maintain certain logical sequences and correlations, it is often adviced that the topic should be thoroughly dealt with and mastered before passing on to another topic . This is known as topical approach in curriculum. For example:-
- 4. If we consider Geography as a subject and Geomorphology as a Topic which contain comprehensive collection of study materials such as Rocks, Volcanoes, Mountains, Soils etc..These are systematically arranged to get a holistic picture. There are concepts , principles, and skills. This is topical approach of curriculum.
- 5. CONCLUSION There are several approaches t o the curriculum development. They vary in their major focus. Concentric and spiral curriculum is concerned with the mental development of pupil. REFERENCE Social Science Education . Methodology Of Teaching And Pedagogic Analysis- Dr . K. Sivarajan , Dr.Tv. Thulasidharan , Dr.N.K. Vijayan. Calicut University - 2008