This document discusses the major foundations of curriculum, including philosophical, historical, psychological, and social foundations. Under the philosophical foundations, it describes four main educational philosophies: perennialism, essentialism, progressivism, and reconstructionism. It provides the aims, roles of education, and curriculum trends for each philosophy. The historical foundations section briefly introduces several influential curriculum theorists from 1876 to 1965 and notes their views on curriculum. The document aims to provide an overview of the key foundations that influence the development of curriculum.

1. Major
Foundations of
Curriculum
Prepared by:
Jhun Ar Ar R. Ramos

2. Major Foundations of
Curriculum
 Philosophical
 Historical
 Psychological
 Social

3. Philosophical Foundations of
Curriculum
• Four Educational Philosophies

4. Philosophical Foundations of
Curriculum
 Perennialism
Aim of Education – To educate the rational
person; to cultivate the intellect.
Role of Education – Teachers help students
think with reason.
Focus in the Curriculum – Classical subjects,
literary analysis and curriculum constant.
Curriculum Trends – Use of great books and
return to liberal.

5. Philosophical Foundations of
Curriculum
 Essentialism
Aim of Education – To promote the
intellectual growth of the individual and
educate a competent person.
The teacher is the sole
authority in his or her subject area or field
of specialization.
Focus in the Curriculum – Essential skills of
the 3 R’s and essential subjects.
Curriculum Trends – Excellence in
education, back to basics and cultural
literacy.

6. Philosophical Foundations of
Curriculum
 Progressivism
Aim of Education – To promote democratic and social
living.
Role of Education – Knowledge leads to growth and
development of lifelong learners who actively learn by
doing.
Focus in the Curriculum – Subjects are
interdisciplinary, integrative and interactive.
Curriculum is focused on students’ interest, human
problems and affairs.
Curriculum Trends – School reforms, relevant and
contextualized curriculum, humanistic education.

7. Philosophical Foundations of
Curriculum
Reconstructionism
Aim of Education – To improve and reconstruct
society. Education for change.
Role of Education – Teachers act as agents of
change and reform in various educational
projects including research.
Focus in the Curriculum – Focus on present and
future trends and issues of national and
international interest.
Curriculum Trends – Equality of educational
opportunities in education, access to global
education.

8. Historical Foundations of Curriculum
• Curriculum Theorists

9. Historical Foundations of Curriculum
1876 - 1956
presented curriculum
as a science that
emphasizes on
students' need.

10. Historical Foundations of Curriculum
1875 - 1952
considered
curriculum also as a
science which is
based on students'
need, and the
teachers plan and
activities.

11. Historical Foundations of Curriculum
1871 - 1965
viewed curriculum as
purposeful activities
which are child-
centered.

12. Historical Foundations of Curriculum
1886 - 1960
emphasized social
studies in the
curriculum and the
teacher plans the
lesson in advance.

13. Historical Foundations of Curriculum
1901 - 1989
sees curriculum as
organized around
social functions of
themes, organized
knowledge and
learner's interests.

14. Historical Foundations of Curriculum
1902- 1994
believes that
curriculum is a
science and an
extension of
school's philosophy.
Based on students'
need and interests.

15. Thank You!!! 
@jhunarar