Curriculum development from a traditionalist perspective is widely used across schools in Canada and other countries. Think about: (a) The ways in which you may have experienced the Tyler rationale in your own schooling; (b) What are the major limitations of the Tyler rationale/what does it make impossible; and (c) What are some potential benefits/what is made possible.
The Tyler rationale method is examined in the readings from Smith Curriculum Theory and Practice. This method is described as being very technical. It almost takes the teachers way of teaching out of the situation and make the teachers focus on the end result, what they are supposed to learn, instead of the learning itself. In the past, I have had teachers that seem to use this method of teaching. Instead of allowing you to learn at your own pace and in your own way, they were more concerned with having you already know the material. by them doing this, it made learning even harder because I was not given the chance to do it in my own way and the teachers were to preoccupied to focus on the learning process.
The Smith Curriculum Theory and Practice article examines many limitations from the Tyler rationale. the first of which being that it may take away from the learners. This rationale is too focused on the end result and “turning teachers into technitions” that it does not give the learning process any room to change, the teachers are tole what the children must know an dhow they will teach them. another limitation is that this rationale expects that all students act the same and will react to being told what to do in the same positive manner. this is not true however, behaviour can not be “objectively, mechanically measured.” This rationale majorly impacts the pedagogic practice of teachers. it allows no room for teachers to have their own teaching style, making it impossible for them to create their own pedagogy.
There are many limitations to this rational as outlines in The Smith Curriculum Theory and Practice readings but, the source also outlines some advantages to the Tyler rationale. this way of approaching the curriculum is very organized, very systematic. this allows for the lesson plans to also be very organized and the teachers know exactly what their students needed to have learned, making it easier to evaluate.
This is very well written and is clear and easy to understand how you feel about the Tyler rationale
The part where you talked about how Tyler’s rationale focuses on the end result instead of the students was quite insightful. I would have loved to read more about how you feel teachers affect teachers’ and students’ relationships with learning and each other. Thanks you for sharing you opinions.