How Political Factors Influence Curriculum Design

FACTORS THAT AFFECT CURRICULUM DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

Social Factors

• Political Factors
• Social Factors
• Economic Factors
• Technological Factors
• Environmental Factors
• The Influence of Child Psychology

Child Psychology

Society has its own expectations about the aims and objectives perception of what the product of the school system should look like.

If this does not happen, the curriculum becomes irrelevant.

Activity:

Pause for a moment and consider the number of groupings in the society in which you live.

These groups can bring their views to bear on curriculum design. This is so because any curriculum of value

must result from the broad consultation of a wide range of stakeholders.

Political Factors

• Theories of learning and child development have to be considered when designing the content of the curriculum and how it is delivered.
• Learning can be maximized by ensuring that activities and experiences are introduced at the most ‘teachable’ moment
• Relate with the theories of design and development stages.

From your experience as a student and teacher, you may have noticed how politics influence education. This is why education is regarded as a political activity. National ideology and philosophy have a tremendous influence on the education

system because:

• Politics determine and define the goals, content, learning experiences and evaluation strategies in education.

•Curricular materials and their interpretation are usually heavily influenced by political considerations.

•Political considerations may play a part in the hiring of personnel.

•Funding of education is greatly influenced by politics.

•Entry into educational institutions and the examination systems are heavily influenced by politics.

Technological Factors

Environmental Factors

• The computer is the latest technological innovation that will have a significant impact on education and society.
• The intention is to equip the learners with the requisite computer skills and knowledge. In addition to computers, other forms of electronic media are being used in teaching.
• These have provided a variety of learning experiences and have facilitated self learning. Curriculum designers cannot afford to
• ignore technology and its influence on the curriculum.

Economic Factors

• Over time, people have become insensitive to their surroundings and natural resources.
• The end result is that humanity is being
• adversely affected by these in-considerations.
• Industrial wastes have polluted the world. For example, the ozone layer in the atmosphere, which protects us from harmful radiation from the sun, is being depleted.
• People want this redressed. It is through education that remediation can be effected.
• Consideration for the environment must of necessity influence curriculum design to ensure the survival of future generations.

One of the reasons why education is financed by governments is to improve the country’s economy. Therefore, the national curriculum should concern itself with the requirements of the economy.

The children you teach will need to be employed. The skills needed by industry should be translated into the content and learning experiences of these children. The skills, knowledge base and attitudes required by industry should be developed in the classroom.

You might have noticed some advertisements for vacant posts in your local media. Employers have basic requirements.

Educational institutions find themselves working to meet these basic requirements academically and professionally. As you are reading this unit, you might be thinking of acquiring a higher academic or professional qualification. This would enhance your upward social mobility. The market forces dictate what should be included in the national curriculum. It also subtly determines the quantity of learners at different levels.

As a teacher, you require classroom supplies such as:

• textbooks,

• charts,

• equipment, and

• chemicals for science experiments.

These materials are products of industry. Without these materials, learning is compromised. It is therefore crucial that

serious consideration be given to economic demands when designing the curriculum.

FACTORS THAT AFFECT

CURRICULUM DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT