The+Behavioral+Approach+to+Curriculum

The Behavioral Approach to Curriculum

**Description of the Approach** Although there are many instances where older ideas need to be exchanged by newer ones, that’s not necessarily always the case. In the concepts of curriculum, the behavioral approach is without a doubt the oldest of the five curriculum approaches. Its principles are based on the theories of Frederick W. Taylor, a mechanical engineer. “Logical and prescriptive, it relies on technical and scientific principles and includes paradigms, models, and step-by-step strategies for formulating curriculum” (Orstein, 2009). Its objectives and purposes are definitive and established. The entire framework is in essence a blueprint or a well organized plan to further the aims of the stakeholders. It uses scientific observation and evaluation in order to maximize all areas of emphasis to perfect learning outcomes. While a lot of Taylor’s postulates are based on industrial models, the conclusions are clear. Criticism from opponents of Taylor’s methods have described his system as “machine theory.” Taylor was on the right path to learning; productivity can be meticulously staged in a controlled environment and manipulated to expand the results or outcomes.

J. Franklin Bobbitt was innovator in the behavioral curriculum realm. While he is credited with many learning models, it was one of his students, Ralph W. Tyler who assumed the torch. Tyler's insights eventually lead to legislation and was the precursor to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

**Information Resources** Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2009). //Curriculum: Foundation, principles, and issues// (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Natera-Riles, M. Ralph W. Tyler. Retrieved 07/21/11 from [|http://wredu.com/~wriles/Tyler.html]

**Strategies and Ideas for Implementation** The Behavioral approach to curriculum is really the default when curriculum are in transition or in a state of failure. It is the last result when it shouldn't be. If this approach is initiated properly and the variables regulated and recorded, it can be as effective as any other. The Cognitive model is a derivative in some of the assertions of the behavioral theory.