APPROACHES TO CURRICULUM
SPIRAL APPROACH
Curriculum which ascends, enlarging as it climbs.
The spiral views accounts for the more refined
wisdom distilled from the experience over time.
The upward and outward curriculum organisation
acknowledges the gradual nature of development of
knowledge and also the development of learner
Gradation of linkage too is taken care of and the
continuity of the topic concerned is never broken.
CONCENTRIC PLAN
The same topic is treated at each stage or years
according to the mental development of pupils and
the circle of knowledge goes on widening
To begin with a simple presentation of the subject
matter is given in outlines, gaps being filled a year or
later in accordance with the amount of knowledge
which the pupil are capable
ADVANTAGES
There is a greater opportunity for revision of topics
Pupil may remember and revise different topics
This method will be more successful when teaching is
in the hands of one teacher, then only continuity can
be maintained
Each year there is something new , some new
problems to solve , new wonders and new mysteries
to be seen
DISADVANTAGES
Teacher must be capable of knowing the abilities with
less repetitions and monotony
There is a possibility of losing freshness of subject
Type study
Material to be taught is classified into types
A types is that which exemplifies the characteristics
of a group
Type is a thing or event considered as an example of a
class or group
The types are arranged according to the increasing
order of complexity in the syllabus.
ADVANTAGE
It helps the pupils to make their own generalizations
from types
It is based on sound psychological principles and gives
training in scientific thinking and develops power of
observation.
DISADVANTAGES
All the content to be taught cannot be classified into
types
HISTORICAL/ BIOGRAPHICAL
APPROACH
Organizing of the science course in accordance with
evolution of science.
Stages through which science has passed in the actual
course of its development from the very beginning.
Science is really an expression of human spirit and it is
essential that this aspect should be felt by every pupil
Essence of science will be felt only when it is treated
historically
NATURE STUDY
Nature study is defined as learning to be really alive to
the world around
“study” means independent work done by pupil
“Nature” means books, pictures and models ,subject
matter
AIMS OF NATURE STUDY
Cultivation of interest in the world around
Developing habit of careful observation and coherent
reasoning
Cultivation of power of expression
Free development of individuality of the pupil
NATURE RAMBLING
Main criteria is experience of the child
Child is considered as a rambler in his environment
The materials the child is likely to meet with the scientific
situations he is likely to face with are chosen and arranged
in the science course
Advantages include development power of observation,
reasoning, relationship between pupil and nature
No systematic knowledge of subject is provided is one
drawback
It is suitable for primary classes
TOPIC PLAN
Science lessons are grouped out to topics of
immediate interests of pupil
Lessons may grouped into life centred, environment
centred and life and environment centred topics
Life centred- air we breathe, water we use etc..
Environment centred-earth, atmosphere etc..
Life and environment centred- health, mineral
resources, body , energy and machines etc..
ADVANATGES DISADVANTAGES
Closer integration between different Do not get sound knowledge of the
branches of science subject as it dealt in a general way
Interesting for lower class students Teacher must not know all branches of
since topics happen to be from their science deeply
environment
