Why We Recommend Wheeler’s Model of Curriculum Planning

As educators and curriculum planners, it’s essential to adopt a systematic approach to ensure that our teaching strategies are effective and adaptable. Wheeler’s model stands out due to its structured framework, focusing on planning, observing, and acting on findings. This model is a testament to the iterative process of improving educational practices and adapting to new developments in education.

Benefits of Wheeler’s Model

The core of Wheeler’s model lies in its strategic and cyclical nature. By dividing the curriculum planning process into clear steps, the model ensures that educators consistently review and refine their instructional approaches. This is akin to any well-crafted plan—a plan that is only as effective as the strategies employed to monitor its effectiveness and make adjustments based on feedback.

Structured Curriculum Planning

Wheeler’s model advocates for a thorough planning phase where educators define clear objectives, develop relevant materials, and implement strategies to achieve those objectives. This initial planning sets the foundation for a well-structured and purposeful curriculum.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustment

One of the standout features of Wheeler’s model is its emphasis on ongoing monitoring. Regular assessments and observations are crucial to understanding the effectiveness of the curriculum and identifying areas for improvement. Through this continuous feedback loop, educators can make informed adjustments to the curriculum to better meet the needs of students.

The model’s adaptability is another key advantage. Educational needs and student performance can shift over time due to various factors such as new research findings, changing societal values, or technological advancements. Wheeler’s model encourages educators to stay responsive to these changes and continuously refine their approaches to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

Applicability in Different Grading Levels

However, the appropriateness of Wheeler’s model varies depending on the grade level. For primary grades (K-2), the fundamental role of teaching and learning foundational skills such as the 26 letters and 10 numbers remains crucial. These skills are timeless and their mastery directly impacts students' future academic success. The focus in these grades should be on building a strong foundation in reading and mathematics, rather than on more advanced or changing concepts.

For upper grades (3-12), once students have already developed these foundational skills, there is more room for exploration and trendiness in curriculum design. Advanced topics, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills can be integrated more effectively in these stages. In these contexts, Wheeler’s model can still play a vital role by ensuring that these advanced topics are taught in a structured and adaptive manner, with regular assessments to track progress and make necessary adjustments.

Conclusion

Wheeler’s model of curriculum planning is a robust framework that can enhance educational effectiveness. Its structured approach and emphasis on continuous improvement make it a valuable tool for educators. While it’s most suitable for primary grades as a foundational structure, it can also be adapted for upper grades to reflect the evolving needs of students.

Ultimately, whether Wheeler’s model or any other plan is better is often a subjective matter, influenced by the specific context and the individuals behind them. The key is to have a flexible and adaptive approach that allows for continuous improvement in education.