CHAPTER 3

CURRICULUM DESIGN
 DEFINITION OF CURRICULUM DESIGN

• Curriculum design refers to the arrangement of the

elements of a curriculum.
• The four elements of a curriculum are the aims, goals,
and objectives; subject matter or content; learning
activities; and evaluation.
 TWO MACRO & MICRO LEVEL OF
OTGANIZING CURRICULUM CONTENTS
• The Macro level deals with arranging or organizing the total
curriculum form the philosophy down to the contents of
different subjects.
• The Micro level on the other hand deals with organizing the
content of a specific subject of discipline.
• Marco level can be referred to function of curriculum design
while the micro level is a function of curriculum organization.
 Four Different Curriculum Designs

1. Subject-centered designs. Majority of the

curricula used in schools are arranged or
organized in terms of subjects. Thus, the subject-
centered designs is the most popular among the
four types of curriculum designs.
A. Subject design. The curriculum is organized in terms of
subjects like Mathematics, Science, Filipino, English, and other
subjects. Most of the subjects are offered in elementary level.

Math Science Filipino English

B. Academic discipline design. Like the subject design, the
type of design organizes the curriculum in terms of discipline
like Algebra, Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Economics,
Philippine History, and other disciplines. This type of design is
mostly used in high school and college.

Biology Algebra Earth Science Economics

C. Integrated design. This curriculum design is
based on the principle that learners learn in an
integrated manner. Thus this type of curriculum
design tries to merge two or more related subjects.
Basically, there are three types of integration;
i. Interdisciplinary- includes the merging of two
related disciplines or subject. An example is the
integration of science and health.

Science Health
ii. MultiDisciplinary or Broad Fields- inludes the
integration of three or more relative disciplines. An example is
the Social Studies curriculum. This subject integrates Civics,
History, Geography, and Economics.

Civics Economics

History Geography
ii. Core – requires that all subjects or discipline in the school
curriculum be put together using single theme. Usualy this type
of integrated curriculum design is used in preschool where
subjects are combined using curriculum themes.

THEME
“My Family”
2. Learner-centered designs. Learner-centered
designs focus on the needs, nature, and interests
of the learners in the curriculum. The aim of
these design is to develop the potential and the
abilities of the learners and to make the
curriculum relevant and responsive to them
a. Activity/experience design. This concentrates on activities that
are meaningful and interesting to the learners. In doing these
activities, learners will develop various skills like process skills,
communication skills, problem-solving skills critical thinking skills,
and creativity that are important for the learners.

b. Humanistic design. The curriculum is composed of topics and

learning experiences thatfocus on the holistic development of an
individual. It also addresses the needs and nature of the learners.
The goal of this design is the development of a well-rounded
individual
3. Problem-centered design. These
curriculum design focus on understanding
and finding solution to individual and
social issues and problems.
a. Thematic design. This design suggest the
thematic approach to integration. Almost all models
advocate this approach. The only thing that is
different is the main focus of the theme.

b. Problem design. The learners are exposed to the

different lessons in problem solving involving real
life problems.
4. Core learning designs. These
curriculum designs focus on learning a set
of common subjects, disciplines, courses
skills or knowledge that is necessary for
students to master.
a. Core design. This is a set of common subjects,
disciplines, or courses that are required for students
to study before they graduate or move to the
different level.
b. National core curriculum design. This is a set of
subjects or courses that are required to be taught to
all students across the country. The national core
curriculum is prescribed by the state through the
DepEd or the CHED.
 Things to Consider in Designing Curriculum

• 1. Horizontal organization – often referred to as the scope and

horizontal integration that is concern with the arrangement of
curriculum components at any point in time.
• 2. Vertical organization – focuses on the spiral progression of
curriculum contents. For example, the skills, concept, and values
that should be taught in science from Grade I to Grade VI.