What Is Curriculum Development?
Curriculum development refers to the structured process of planning learning experiences to achieve specific educational goals. It typically involves:
- Setting clear learning objectives
- Selecting appropriate content and learning experiences
- Organizing teaching strategies and materials
- Evaluating student learning and curriculum effectiveness
In short, it is the roadmap of education—ensuring learning is purposeful, coherent, and progressive.
R. W. Tyler’s Model of Curriculum Development
Ralph W. Tyler (1949) is often regarded as a founder of modern curriculum design. His model is goal-oriented and follows a logical, systematic sequence.
Tyler’s Four Fundamental Questions
- What educational purposes should the school seek to attain?
- What learning experiences can be provided to attain these purposes?
- How can these learning experiences be effectively organized?
- How can we determine whether these purposes are being attained?
Key Features
Objective-Based: Starts with clear, measurable learning objectives.
Systematic Process: Linear flow from objectives to evaluation.
Evaluation-Centered: Strong emphasis on assessment to check goal attainment.
Scientific & Practical: Encourages evidence-based decision-making.
Advantages
- Clear and easy to apply
- Aligns teaching and assessment with objectives
- Supports accountability and measurable outcomes
Limitations
- Can be rigid for creative or emergent learning contexts
- May underemphasize teacher judgment and student voice
Hilda Taba’s Model of Curriculum Development
Hilda Taba (1962), a student of Tyler, expanded curriculum theory by emphasizing the role of teachers and a bottom-up (grassroots) approach. Her model starts in the classroom and builds upward.
Steps in Taba’s Model
- Diagnosis of learners’ needs
- Formulation of objectives
- Selection of content
- Organization of content
- Selection of learning experiences
- Organization of learning activities
- Evaluation and feedback
Key Features
Inductive Approach: Moves from specific classroom needs to general curriculum design.
Teacher-Centered: Teachers actively design and adapt curriculum.
Dynamic Process: Flexible and responsive, with iterative feedback.
Student-Focused: Prioritizes learner needs and contexts.
Advantages
- Encourages teacher ownership and professional judgment
- Flexible and adaptable to real classroom conditions
- Promotes continuous improvement through feedback
Limitations
- Time-consuming at scale
- Requires skilled, reflective teachers and supportive leadership
Tyler vs. Taba — Key Differences
| Feature | Tyler’s Model | Taba’s Model |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Top-down, objective-first | Bottom-up, needs-first |
| Focus | Clear objectives and measurement | Learner diagnosis and teacher input |
| Process | Linear and systematic | Iterative and flexible |
| Role of Teachers | Implementers of curriculum | Active developers and decision-makers |
Why These Models Still Matter Today
Both Tyler’s and Taba’s models continue to influence curriculum thinking worldwide:
- Tyler: Provides clarity, structure, and strong alignment between objectives and assessment.
- Taba: Encourages teacher participation, adaptability, and responsiveness to student needs.
For modern educators, combining elements of both—clear goals from Tyler and teacher-led flexibility from Taba—creates a balanced curriculum that is both purposeful and responsive.
Conclusion
Curriculum development is more than choosing topics—it’s about designing meaningful learning journeys. Tyler and Taba offer timeless frameworks: one emphasizes clear objectives and systematic evaluation, the other champions teacher-led, student-centered design. Understanding and applying both approaches helps educators craft curricula that prepare learners for a changing world.
