Dimensions of Curriculum Design

Author : Carl Richard Dagalea

Link to Article

Year : January 3rd, 2014

The key dimensions of curriculum design are:

• Scope - All the content, topics, learning experiences and organising threads which are included in the education plan.
• Sequence - The order and hierarchy of the modules included in the scope. This could be determined by the logic of the subject matter or the developmental goals of learning. The 4 principles of sequencing are:
• Simple to complex (learning related sequencing)
• Prerequisites first (learning related sequencing)
• Whole to part (concept related sequencing / inquiry related sequencing)
• Chronological/spatial (world related sequencing)
• Continuity - Vertical repetition of key concepts to strengthen learning and skill development. This is like a spiral curriculum, with increasing depth and breadth in the same concepts, along with addition of new concepts.
• Integration - In the real world, strict subject matter lines don’t exist. As more themes and concepts emerge, there should be more integration across subjects, and fewer lines in between.
• Articulation - The manner and style of connecting and explaining concepts. This should be done in 2 ways:
• Vertical - So that concepts at one level are connected to concepts at the next and previous level (continuity).
• Horizontal - So that concepts across subjects, at the same level are connected (integration).
• Balance - Ensuring an equitable distribution of time, content and experiences across different subjects, activities and so on.