By: Dr. Muhammad Nadeem

Global Perspectives of Curriculum

Development

Since the beginning of the 21st century new technologies have emerged and the global economy has changed.

Some of the problems our world faces is world economy, security, resource allocation, and national development.

Education is at the center of these important decisions.

Curriculum leaders have been holding on to traditional practices far too long.

Introduction

There are four common curriculum questions that all countries in the world are struggling with.

• What is the curriculum?

• Who controls the curriculum?

• How is the curriculum delivered?

• What is the outcome or result?

Nations at Work

France

• France's educational roots date back to the time of Charlemagne and the modern form of the Republican School.

• Their education system is a three-tier system that consists of primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

• The current literacy rate is 99%.

• The dropout rate is less than 20% for those who attend secondary education.

• Due to an influx of immigrants, the French schools testing performance has dropped.

The Many Faces of Curriculum Development

Cambodia• Education was originally offered by the Buddhist temples.

• Females were excluded in education for many years.

• In 1917 the French colony established a primary and secondary educational system.

• The country has been through many government and education reconstructions throughout Cambodian history. The schools are operated by the local governments.

• The literacy rate is 76% for males and 46% for females. Cambodia' education system faces many problems such as:

• Lack of facilities

• Few qualified teachers

• Low moral

• Low attendance

• Few have computer access

The Many Faces of Curriculum Development

South Africa

• South Africa reconstructed their education system in 1994.

• They have a national department of education.

• The local governments direct the schools.

• In South Africa they have three levels of education including college.

• The national literacy rate is 24%.

• The national government is trying to get technology to disadvantaged schools.

Developing Countries

India

• The education in India was traditionally a Hindu-initiated system.

• In the 19th Century, a Western Style of education was introduced and funded by the British.

• In 1976, the educational responsibility was shared between the central and state government.

• India's literacy rate is 65%.

• They enroll 190 million students in a three tier system.

• India's education system is now focused on primary education. Building more schools is another goal of the national government.

• There are various types of technical schools available for the working-class poor.

• India has limited funds for educating their enormous population of students.

Vietnam

The Vietnamese education system was modeled after a Chinese-Confucian System.

In 1975, the communist system was applied to the whole nation.

The mountainous terrain presents a challenge in Vietnamese education, as a result of this there are few secondary schools.

The literacy rate for Vietnam is 94%.

Only 24% of the population has computer assess.

In Vietnam only 5% of college age students attend higher education.

Their education system is five levels:

• Preprimary

• Primary

• Intermediate

• Secondary

• higher education

China

China is the world's largest communist nation.

In 1978, four modernizations were outlined for China:

• Agriculture

• Industry

• Technology

• defense

The local Communist Party community groups govern the schools.

These local members oversee expenditures, develop the curriculum, hire teachers, make rules, and organize community events.

Since 1950, literacy has risen from 20% to 95% in China.

China's fast development of high-quality education programs are due to exams, key schools, and study abroad policy.

They use over seas colleges to train many of their leaders.

Education was originally offered by the Religious Madarsas or Masajids. Federal Ministry of Education is responsible in making of: curriculum,

syllabus, Planning, Policy, Education standards. In 1973’s constitution, Government placed education on the concurrent

list. Each Province has its own Provincial Textbook Board. Studies scheme based on three key factors: National education policy,

Market demand, Global issues. Literacy rate 2015: According to UNESCO overall literacy rate of

Pakistan is 55% . (male= 67%, female=42%) Pakistan stands at 160th in the total countries of the world. Education system in Pakistan is decentralized. Levels/Stages of Education in Pakistan:

• Pre-Primary Stage• Elementary Education (Primary and Middle)• Secondary • Higher Secondary • Tertiary Education/ Higher Education (after class XII)

Pakistan

Japan

Japanese education was traditionally based on Buddhist and Confucian teachings from China.

In the late 19th century, schools began to place more emphasis on university and academics and military.

Their education system is now based on the American model.

Their test scores are among the highest in the world.

Japanese schools have a three tier system, elementary, middle, and high school.

As of 2012, Japan's literacy rate was 99%.

There are 2.5 million Japanese student enrolled in colleges and universities.

Their schools are highly competitive for success.

Japan is looking to transition to a new globally competitive education.

Developed Nations

Scotland

The Scottish Education Act of 1696 established the first national system of education in the world.

The literacy rate is 99%.

The local authorities own and operate the schools in Scotland.

Students have to take exams to be able to attend college.

Scotland is also struggling with high unemployment.

Scotland plans to created close ties with China in order to become a favored trade partner in the future.

United States

In the 19th century, the plans were being made for free education through grade 12.

During the 20th century, the curriculum was being adjusted to include more diversity.

Each state has the right to create a curriculum that does not violate the rights of its citizens.

As of 2008, the literacy rate was 98%.

In the past 50 years the U. S. has been through wars, immigration patterns, new technology, and a changing global economy.

Internet has not been used effectively to activate student learning.

80% of school expenses are attributed to creating facilities and funding teachers' salaries.

Curriculum leaders need to collaborate with leaders from subgroups of different cultural backgrounds to develop a new curriculum.

Cayman Islands is a small nation that has a population of 45,000 people.

As of 2007, the literacy rate was 98%.

This nation is still controlled by the British.

The islands have governors appointed by the British.

The Caymans modeled their education system after the English system.

The Cayman Islands Education Council directs the school systems.

The schools are state funded.

The islands held a conference in 2005 to discuss the changing global economy.

After the conference the islands came up with goals to reform their failing education system.

Technology is also a large part of the reformation.

Cayman Islands

Bondi, J. C., Wiles, J. W., (2011). From chapter 9 of curriculum development : A guide to practice. Boston: Pearson

References