Philosophy as a Guide to Curriculum Design

The educational process relies on curriculum for guidance while philosophy constitutes the base of curriculum design. Curriculum design is fruitful ordering of subject matter designed to produce knowledge, skills and attitude in our children. If the products of curriculum design are so important to the educational process, we should expect philosophy to play an important part in the shaping of education for one thing. Knowledge and social outlook are key components of because thinking is involved.

Whether curriculum is seen as the total integration between the teacher and his pupil or as the general name for school subject, like mathematics, language, arts, health and physical education among others, curriculum is based on philosophy because of the inspiration it derives from philosophy.

Implication of Philosophy for Teaching

From the foregoing, you must have seen that it is apparent that philosophy has great implication for teaching. If we accept the main task of teacher as to impart knowledge skills and moral, and these elements are grounded in philosophy. The use of the mind as an effective instrument for thinking one’s way out of problem is very important. The teacher who acts before he has the opportunity to reflect can certainly not be an effective one. Philosophy therefore, makes teachers able to think and this process is encouraged in his learners.

As one whose activities are guided by an inspired curriculum, the teacher must see himself as a nation builder in the strictest sense of the word. The country depends on him to teach in such a way that the manpower needed to man the different areas of responsibility is efficient and effective. Therefore, philosophy helps the teacher to understand his work better.

Philosophy also helps the teacher to understand the national and educational goals of his country. It is therefore, essential for the teacher to relate the functions of philosophy to education so that he can use knowledge to produce the educated and skill Nigeria need to develop the nation.

Conclusion

Over the years, philosophy has assumed a more moderate role by confining itself to analyzing and classifying concepts and statements. It also tries to resolve issues in human life, in order to improve our understanding of the subject matter of life in general.