Cultures of Curriculum

by Pamela Bolotin Joseph (Editor)

Using "cultures of curriculum" as a lens, this clear, compelling text reveals and critically examines the belief systems and classroom practices of curricular orientations in contemporary American society. It is designed to foster awareness, examination, and deliberation about the curricula planned for and carried out in classrooms and schools; to inspire conversations about theory and practice as well as political, social, and moral issues; and to expand critical consciousness about approaches to curriculum and practice. Readers are encouraged to give serious attention to the issues this book raises for them, and to join with their colleagues, students, and communities in considering how to create curricula with purpose and congruent practices and to reculture classrooms and schools. A framework of inquiry is presented to facilitate such reflection and to accomplish these goals.

Cultures of Curriculum, Second





Introduces the field of curriculum studies by describing theories and questions pertinent to curriculum inquiry





Describes the process of curriculum leadership drawing from historical and contemporary research on curriculum change and transformation





Presents the concept of cultures of curriculum as a way of thinking of curriculum as cultural text encompassing histories, norms, beliefs, values, roles, and environments.





Connects theory to practice by describing curricular orientations as depicted in practice, providing educators with approaches to instruction, planning, and assessment for creating intentional practices in classrooms and schools





Uses a heuristic that helps educators to understand curricular orientations, examine curriculum in classrooms and schools, and reflect upon their own beliefs and practices





Integrates moral and political discourse into discussions of curriculum orientations so that educators can recognize, question, and challenge aims and actions by examining dominant paradigms and both their direct and unforeseeable influences upon schooling



Changes in the second





Four new chapters –



"Narrowing the Curriculum" (current trends of standardization and high-stakes testing)



"Educating Through Occupations (Deweyan progressive and career/technical education)



"Sustaining Indigenous Traditions" (Native American/indigenous education)



"Envisioning Peace" (peace, global, human rights, environmental education)

Genres: Teaching, Education

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1999

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was required reading for an early course during my Master of Education program. It was fantastic! If you've ever wondered about why academics and tradespeople butt heads, educationally, or if you've been curious about the differences between a Montessori, Summerhill, and the many other versions of private schools, this is the book for you. After reading through Bolotin Joseph's book, I feel I have a much better understanding about systems, perspectives, or cultures of curriculum, what education means to different groups, and why the opinions are so varied. I kept going back to this text throughout my two-year program, and will use this as a useful reference tool in years to come.

[Colette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this author's writing style particularly unenjoyable to read.

[Alicia Weaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book for school. The various types of curriculum sections were very helpful especially how the chapter were organized making the information easy to understand and apply.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really eye opening approach to how curriculum should be designed to flow through all classes. Curriculum is more than the material you teach and it should inform every decision made within a school. Setting up a culture is bigger than choosing new textbooks.

The book is a collection of essays by Joseph and others who outline why curriculum cultures are so important and how they can transform schools starting in the classroom.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for my Master's degree. Interesting ideas. Hard to get through at times.