Curriculum: From Theory to Practice

by Wesley Null

This updated second edition of From Theory to Practice provides an introduction to curriculum theory and how it relates to classroom practice. Wesley Null builds upon recent developments while at the same time continuing to provide a unique organization of the curriculum field into five systematic, existential, radical, pragmatic, and deliberative. Null discusses the philosophical foundations of curriculum as well as historical and contemporary figures who have shaped each curriculum tradition. To ensure breadth and scope, Null has expanded this second edition to include figures not present in the first.

Additionally, after a chapter on each of the five perspectives, Null presents case studies that describe realistic and specific curriculum problems that commonly arise within educational institutions at all levels. Scholars and practitioners alike are given opportunities to practice resolving curriculum problems through deliberation. Each case study focuses on a critical issue such as the implementation of curriculum standards, the attempt to reform core curriculum within universities, and the complex practice of curriculum making. In the final chapter, Null offers a vision for the curriculum field that connects curriculum deliberation with recent developments in moral philosophy.

Genres: Education

362 pages, Paperback

First published February 16, 2011

Reviews

[Yzobelle]

Professor Wesley Null offers his readers an extensive discussion on the timeline of curriculum development, from the proponents of different theories and their implementation process. This rich resource is so well organized that makes it stands out from the other reference books in this field of studies. Each chapter – which features a different curriculum perspective – presents a case that shows the practical and realistic application of the theory. It brings into the discussion relevant issues and problems that are real in its implementation. The cases serve as a discussion point for practitioners who attempt to resolve specific curriculum problems.

This book has become my faithful companion, teacher and mentor! I’m sure it would also be for many other educators out there.

[Brooke Meyer]

You bet your ass I’m going to include my textbooks in my reading goal…

[Aisyah Nur]

good

[Osama Al Zu'bi]

Excellent book that summarizes the main curriculum theories for educational purposes.

[Turquoise Brennan]

had to read this one for my curriculum theory class - interesting and plenty of connections to make throughout but touches the surface on the different types of curriculum theories

[Rhonda Koppelmann]

Typical scholarly text, much of which could have been summed up using far less jargon.