TOPIC : GENERAL PRINCIPLES

OF CURRICULUM
CONSTRUCTION

Page | 1

INTRODUCTION
The word curriculum originates from the latin word Currere which means
to run and hence curriculum means a course to be run for reaching a good.
Curriculum was regards synonymous with classified selections made from
accumulate knowledge in to separate subjects or disciplines to be taught to
students. But in the present context due to the change in the education system
curriculum acquired a new meaning it is this regarded as the through the manifold
activities that go in the Scholl, and in the numerous interactions between the
teacher and the pupils. There are a number of definitions for curriculum.
1. Kilpatrick Curriculum includes objectives, materials, methodology and
organization

Page | 2

CONTENT

Educationalists have laid down certain principles for developing

curriculum. They are

I)

The principle of child centeredness : A child learns from experience

and activities. It should be provided in such a way that the needs of the
child are satisfied and interest , motivation is maintained throughout.
Education is meant for the chils and hence all educational activities
should be meaningful and appropriate for the child for his all round
development

II)

The Principle of activity centeredness: A child learns more from

activities. Activities should be connected with the childs desires and
needs. Curriculum should be planned in such a way that each content is
taught through activities because it creates interest and help in the
physical and mental growth of the child. Activities range form play
activities at the primary level to create and constructive activities at the
secondary level.

III)

Forward looking principle: Culture is changing for a child to know this

past culture and traditions there is no other way than the curriculum
.Therefore provisions in the curriculum tp preserve be there so that it is
transmitted to next generation.

Page | 3

IV)

Renewal Principle : While knowing the culture and traditions of the past
the child should be in a position to renew the culture to suit the
requirements of the changing world.

V)

Maturity Principle: The curriculum should be suited to the mental and

physical development of the pupil

VI)

The principle of balance: Curriculum should maintain proper balance

between the direct and indirect experiences.

VII)

The principle of preparation for life: The school curriculum should be

designed in such a way that it should help pupils to prepare for life. It
should help to earn a live hood and help them to adjust and meet the
challenges of this society.

Page | 4

CONCLUSION

We have seen science is taught to pupils as it would help to realize certain

values and aims by which they could become better individuals But such goals can
not be reached through a vacuum. We require some appropriate medium through
which the anticipated changes could be brought about. The science curriculum is
the medium required for the purpose. As such, every science teacher has to get a
clear and through knowledge about the importance, meaning scope and nature of
a good science curriculum together with the principle for its development and
transaction. Curriculum is the crux of the whole educational process with out
curriculum .We cannot conceive any educational Endeavour. School curriculum of
a country, like its constitution reflects the ethos of that country.

REFERENCES
Dr. Mariamma Mathew, Teaching Science(2014)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Sivarajan. K (2008 edition)Science Education methodology of teaching

and pedagogic analysis Calicut University

Page | 5