Curricula Theory and Program Development

Catalog description

The emphasis of the earlier part of this course is on a historical overview of curricula theory and the current research and practice relevant to theoretical designs and frameworks that directly influence professional practice. This course provides an introduction to conceptions of curricula and their effects on pedagogy from a historical perspective, with particular emphasis on discerning and interpreting how social, cultural, and political circumstances shape educational thought. The focus of the later part of the course is on professional development processes and applications. Topics to be examined include, but are not limited to, the following: understanding by design, concept-based professional development goals and objectives, needs assessment, implementation strategies, and evaluation techniques for conducting rigorous professional development designed to improve organizations and personnel.