Critical AnalysisBOOK:

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT:

A GUIDE TO PRACTICE

Presented By : Hina Kaynat

Information about the Book:• Title: CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT: A GUIDE

TO PRACTICE

• Authors: Jon Wiles and Joseph C. Bondi• Edition: 8th Edition • Publication: Pearson (2011)• ISBN: 978-0137153305• Copyright: 1984• Price: $25.41

Introduction about book:• Jon Wiles and Joseph Bondi consider the new global realities of

the 21st Century by adding a unique global perspective to the process of curriculum development. Ten nations are analyzed and compared in order to better understand common threads and time-tested methods for curriculum development and management.

• In addition to its well-known and established focus on the historical and philosophical aspects of curriculum development, the revised eighth edition of Curriculum Development: A Guide To Practice also includes updated chapters on the impact of technology on curriculum work in schools as well as a new chapter on curriculum work in the classroom.

Introduction about book:• Wiles and Bondi in Curriculum Development : A

Guide to Practice (8th Edition) provide a comprehensive definition and examination of curriculum development by dividing their book into four parts:

1. perspectives, 2. procedures, 3. practices, and4. prospectives.

Part 1• The "perspectives'' section deals with the general field of curriculum by

focusing on both the foundations and role of philosophy in curriculum planning.

• Brief examinations of areas such as evolving definitions, the curriculum development process, philosophy, influencing issues, and roles of curriculum developers provide only an indication of the many aspects discussed.

• Also, dealing with philosophy and class traffic control, building priorities, grounds, and classroom space in the same chapter emphasizes the authors' attempts to provide a guide for the practitioners.

• Although many topics receive only token consideration, the introductory approach to general topics, extensive references, and a list of books to review at the end of each chapter provides additional sources for readers seeking more comprehensive answers.

Part 2• Part Two, on curriculum procedures, focuses

on basic tasks, instructional considerations, leadership and change, and evaluating curriculum development.

• Although this part relies heavily on quotes, tables, and lists, it is relevent to the concept of “a guide to practice”

Part 3• The third part provides an introductory survey

of elementary, middle, and secondary programs and issues.

• Such topics as special programs for the handicapped and gifted, individualized instruction, organizational patterns, and a brief overlook of curriculum areas will prove beneficial for both pre-service and in-service teachers.

Part 4• Part Four includes issues focused on the

changing political environment, the politics of curriculum development, understanding budgets, the era of instability, and curricular issues in a political era. These chapters proved to be especially thought provoking.

Review by Presenter:• The reader seeking a broad spectrum of curriculum

development will benefit from the text and its considerable reference notes and bibliography.

• Further, the book, Curriculum Development: A Guide to Practice , lives up to its name by providing numerous lists, tables, graphs, and figures to assist in implementation.

• The text will be an excellent resource for curriculum courses, curriculum coordinators, supervisors, and others wanting a general knowledge of curriculum development.