In 1949, a small book had a big impact on education. In just over one hundred pages, Ralph W. Tyler presented the concept that curriculum should be dynamic, a program under constant evaluation and revision. Curriculum had always been thought of as a static, set program, and in an era preoccupied with student testing, he offered the innovative idea that teachers and administrators should spend as much time evaluating their plans as they do assessing their students. Since then, Basic Principles of Curriculum and Instruction has been a standard reference for anyone working with curriculum development. Although not a strict how-to guide, the book shows how educators can critically approach curriculum planning, studying progress and retooling when needed. Its four sections focus on setting objectives, selecting learning experiences, organizing instruction, and evaluating progress. Readers will come away with a firm understanding of how to formulate educational objectives and how to analyze and adjust their plans so that students meet the objectives. Tyler also explains that curriculum planning is a continuous, cyclical process, an instrument of education that needs to be fine-tuned. This emphasis on thoughtful evaluation has kept Basic Principles of Curriculum and Instruction a relevant, trusted companion for over sixty years. And with school districts across the nation working feverishly to align their curriculum with Common Core standards, Tyler's straightforward recommendations are sound and effective tools for educators working to create a curriculum that integrates national objectives with their students' needs.
About the AuthorRalph W. Tyler (1902-94) was professor of education and dean of the Division of the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago. He also served as founding director of the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences and chaired the committee that eventually developed the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
Reviews"Ralph W. Tyler's Basic Principles of Curriculum and Instruction provides school people with a way to act intelligently in the context of their profession.... Its lasting vitality has had everything to do with its continuing relevance as a model for guiding curriculum development efforts." (Peter S. Hlebowitsh, from the foreword)"
Book InformationISBN 9780226086507
Author Ralph W. TylerFormat Paperback
Page Count 144
Imprint University of Chicago PressPublisher The University of Chicago Press
Weight(grams) 198g
Dimensions(mm) 22mm * 14mm * 1mm