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Difference Between Tyler and Wheeler Model of Curriculum

  • Post last modified:March 16, 2023
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Explanation of Tyler and Wheeler model of curriculum

The Tyler model, also known as the Objectives Model, was developed by Ralph Tyler in the 1940s. This model is based on the idea that curriculum should be designed around specific, measurable learning objectives. The model consists of four components: objectives, content, learning experiences, and evaluation. The objectives are the specific learning outcomes that students are expected to achieve, and the content is the material that will be taught to achieve those objectives. The learning experiences are the methods used to teach the content, and the evaluation is the assessment of student learning to determine if the objectives have been met. The Tyler model is often used in schools that emphasize standardization and accountability.

The Wheeler model, also known as the Process Model, was developed by David Wheeler in the 1960s. This model is based on the idea that curriculum should be designed around student exploration and inquiry. The model consists of four components: exploration, integration, humanistic, and social reconstruction. Exploration involves students exploring their own interests and ideas, while integration involves connecting those ideas to broader themes and concepts. The humanistic component emphasizes the development of the whole person, including emotional and social growth, and the social reconstruction component emphasizes the role of education in promoting social justice and equity.

Tyler model emphasizes the importance of clear objectives and assessment, while the Wheeler model emphasizes student-centered learning and exploration. Both models have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of model will depend on the specific goals and priorities of the educational institution or curriculum designer.

Importance of understanding the difference between the two models

Understanding the difference between the Tyler and Wheeler models of curriculum is important for several reasons:

  • Curriculum design: The Tyler and Wheeler models offer different approaches to curriculum design. The Tyler model is more focused on setting specific objectives and assessing student learning, while the Wheeler model emphasizes student exploration and inquiry. Understanding these differences can help educators and curriculum designers choose the most appropriate model for their educational goals and priorities.
  • Student-centered learning: The Wheeler model emphasizes student-centered learning, which is becoming increasingly important in modern education. Understanding this model can help educators incorporate more student-centered approaches into their teaching and curriculum design.
  • Educational philosophy: The Tyler and Wheeler models are based on different educational philosophies. The Tyler model is more aligned with behaviorism, while the Wheeler model is more aligned with constructivism. Understanding these different philosophical orientations can help educators develop a more nuanced understanding of educational theory and practice.
  • Educational policy: In some cases, educational policy may be influenced by a particular model of curriculum design. Understanding the differences between the Tyler and Wheeler models can help educators and policy makers make informed decisions about educational policy.

Tyler and Wheeler models of curriculum is important for anyone involved in education, from classroom teachers to curriculum designers to policy makers. It can help promote more effective and student-centered approaches to education and facilitate informed decision making about educational policy and practice.

Overview of Tyler Model

The Tyler Model, also known as the Objectives Model, was developed by Ralph Tyler in the 1940s. This model is based on the idea that curriculum should be designed around specific, measurable learning objectives.

The Tyler model consists of four components:

  • Objectives: The objectives are the specific learning outcomes that students are expected to achieve. They should be clear, measurable, and achievable.
    Content: The content is the material that will be taught to achieve the objectives. It should be selected based on its relevance to the objectives and its ability to support student learning.
  • Learning Experiences: The learning experiences are the methods used to teach the content. They should be selected based on their ability to help students achieve the objectives and should be appropriate for the age and skill level of the students.
  • Evaluation: The evaluation is the assessment of student learning to determine if the objectives have been met. It should be based on the objectives and should be designed to provide meaningful feedback to students and teachers.

The Tyler model is often used in schools that emphasize standardization and accountability. It is useful for ensuring that students are learning specific skills and knowledge, and for measuring their progress in a standardized way. However, critics of the Tyler model argue that it can be too focused on standardized testing and may not allow for enough flexibility in the curriculum to accommodate student interests and needs.

Tyler model is a useful approach to curriculum design for educators who prioritize standardized learning objectives and assessment. It is one of the most widely used models of curriculum design in the United States, and it has influenced curriculum design around the world.

Overview of Wheeler Model

The Wheeler Model, also known as the Process Model, was developed by David Wheeler in the 1960s. This model is based on the idea that curriculum should be designed around student exploration and inquiry.

The Wheeler model consists of four components:

  • Exploration: The exploration component involves students exploring their own interests and ideas. This component emphasizes the importance of student-centered learning and encourages students to take an active role in their own education.
  • Integration: The integration component involves connecting students’ ideas and interests to broader themes and concepts. This component emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary learning and encourages students to make connections between different subjects.
  • Humanistic: The humanistic component emphasizes the development of the whole person, including emotional and social growth. This component encourages educators to focus on developing students’ character, creativity, and social skills in addition to academic skills.
  • Social Reconstruction: The social reconstruction component emphasizes the role of education in promoting social justice and equity. This component encourages educators to address social issues in the curriculum and to prepare students to be active and engaged citizens.

The Wheeler model is often used in schools that prioritize student-centered learning and interdisciplinary approaches to education. It is useful for promoting creativity, critical thinking, and social awareness in students. However, critics of the Wheeler model argue that it can be too focused on student interests and may not provide enough structure and guidance for students who need more direction in their learning.

Overall, the Wheeler model is a useful approach to curriculum design for educators who prioritize student-centered learning and interdisciplinary approaches to education. It is an important model for promoting creativity, critical thinking, and social awareness in students, and it has influenced curriculum design around the world.

Comparison of Tyler and Wheeler Models

The Tyler and Wheeler models of curriculum design offer two different approaches to education, with some significant differences between them. Here are some of the key differences between the two models:

  • Focus: The Tyler model emphasizes the importance of specific, measurable learning objectives, while the Wheeler model emphasizes student exploration and inquiry.
  • Structure: The Tyler model provides a more structured and standardized approach to curriculum design, while the Wheeler model provides more flexibility and allows for greater student input and exploration.
  • Assessment: The Tyler model emphasizes standardized testing and assessment, while the Wheeler model emphasizes more creative and varied forms of assessment, such as portfolios and self-reflection.
  • Teacher Role: In the Tyler model, the teacher is seen as the primary source of knowledge and information, while in the Wheeler model, the teacher is seen as a facilitator of student learning and exploration.
  • Student Role: In the Tyler model, the student is seen as a passive recipient of knowledge and information, while in the Wheeler model, the student is seen as an active participant in their own learning.
  • Subject Integration: The Wheeler model emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and encourages students to make connections between different subjects, while the Tyler model focuses more on specific subject areas and learning objectives within those areas.

Tyler model is a more traditional and structured approach to curriculum design, while the Wheeler model is a more student-centered and flexible approach. The Tyler model is often used in schools that prioritize standardization and accountability, while the Wheeler model is often used in schools that prioritize student exploration and interdisciplinary learning.

Conclusion

Tyler and Wheeler models of curriculum design offer two different approaches to education. The Tyler model emphasizes the importance of specific, measurable learning objectives, while the Wheeler model emphasizes student exploration and inquiry. Both models have strengths and weaknesses, and understanding the differences between them can help educators and curriculum designers choose the most appropriate approach for their educational goals and priorities.

The Tyler model is useful for ensuring that students are learning specific skills and knowledge, and for measuring their progress in a standardized way. It is often used in schools that emphasize standardization and accountability. The Wheeler model, on the other hand, is useful for promoting creativity, critical thinking, and social awareness in students. It is often used in schools that prioritize student-centered learning and interdisciplinary approaches to education.

Ultimately, the most effective approach to curriculum design will depend on a variety of factors, including the educational philosophy of the school or district, the needs and interests of the students, and the goals of the curriculum. By understanding the differences between the Tyler and Wheeler models, educators and curriculum designers can make informed decisions about how to best design and implement educational programs that meet the needs of their students.