CUS3701
ASSIGNMENT 2 (SEMESTER)
DUE DATE: 2025
JAMESC
,Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than 2025. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1: Curriculum Approaches (15 marks)
1.1 Theoretical Foundations of the Approaches (5 marks)
The theoretical foundations of Lawrence Stenhouse’s learner-centred approach and John Bobbitt’s
behavioural approach are rooted in distinct educational philosophies.
• Lawrence Stenhouse (Learner-Centered Approach): Stenhouse emphasized the importance of
fostering a reflective, learner-driven curriculum. His theoretical foundation is based on the
constructivist theory, which suggests that learners should be active participants in their own
learning process. Rather than focusing on merely transmitting knowledge, Stenhouse advocated
for a curriculum that encourages critical thinking, exploration, and the development of the
learner's ability to inquire and make decisions. The teacher's role is not that of a mere
transmitter of knowledge but as a facilitator of learning experiences.
• John Bobbitt (Behavioral Approach): Bobbitt’s approach, on the other hand, is grounded in the
behaviorist theory, which focuses on observable and measurable learning outcomes. This
approach suggests that education should be structured to help learners acquire specific, defined
skills or behaviors. It is highly influenced by the scientific method and emphasizes efficiency and
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, standardization. Teachers in this model are seen as directors of the learning process, providing
clear instructions and managing student behaviors through reinforcement and assessments.
1.2 Practical Implications for Teachers (5 marks)
• Stenhouse's Approach: Teachers need to create an environment that nurtures independent
thinking, creativity, and self-directed learning. They must design open-ended activities that
allow students to explore, hypothesize, and develop critical thinking skills. The teacher’s role
is that of a facilitator or guide, encouraging inquiry, reflection, and active participation. They
should avoid rigid, one-size-fits-all instruction and instead allow students to explore topics
in ways that suit their interests and developmental stages.
• Bobbitt's Approach: Teachers need to ensure that learning activities are aligned with
predetermined objectives and learning outcomes. They focus on delivering clear, concise
instructions that lead to measurable results. In this approach, teachers are expected to
maintain control over the learning environment, using assessments to gauge students'
mastery of specific skills. Their role is more directive, ensuring that students are achieving
set goals in an efficient, organized manner.
1.3 Practical Implications for Learners (5 marks)
• Stenhouse's Approach: Learners in this model are encouraged to take ownership of their
learning. They engage in critical thinking and inquiry, learning through discovery rather than
passive reception. This approach allows students to pursue their own interests within the
curriculum, fostering autonomy, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of the
content.
• Bobbitt's Approach: Learners in this model are expected to focus on mastering specific, pre-
defined skills. Their learning experience is more structured, with clear expectations for
performance. While this approach can provide a sense of clarity and measurable progress, it
may limit creativity and exploration, as students are typically required to meet set objectives
and perform specific tasks or behaviors.
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ASSIGNMENT 2 (SEMESTER)
DUE DATE: 2025
JAMESC
,Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than 2025. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1: Curriculum Approaches (15 marks)
1.1 Theoretical Foundations of the Approaches (5 marks)
The theoretical foundations of Lawrence Stenhouse’s learner-centred approach and John Bobbitt’s
behavioural approach are rooted in distinct educational philosophies.
• Lawrence Stenhouse (Learner-Centered Approach): Stenhouse emphasized the importance of
fostering a reflective, learner-driven curriculum. His theoretical foundation is based on the
constructivist theory, which suggests that learners should be active participants in their own
learning process. Rather than focusing on merely transmitting knowledge, Stenhouse advocated
for a curriculum that encourages critical thinking, exploration, and the development of the
learner's ability to inquire and make decisions. The teacher's role is not that of a mere
transmitter of knowledge but as a facilitator of learning experiences.
• John Bobbitt (Behavioral Approach): Bobbitt’s approach, on the other hand, is grounded in the
behaviorist theory, which focuses on observable and measurable learning outcomes. This
approach suggests that education should be structured to help learners acquire specific, defined
skills or behaviors. It is highly influenced by the scientific method and emphasizes efficiency and
Page 1 of 15
, standardization. Teachers in this model are seen as directors of the learning process, providing
clear instructions and managing student behaviors through reinforcement and assessments.
1.2 Practical Implications for Teachers (5 marks)
• Stenhouse's Approach: Teachers need to create an environment that nurtures independent
thinking, creativity, and self-directed learning. They must design open-ended activities that
allow students to explore, hypothesize, and develop critical thinking skills. The teacher’s role
is that of a facilitator or guide, encouraging inquiry, reflection, and active participation. They
should avoid rigid, one-size-fits-all instruction and instead allow students to explore topics
in ways that suit their interests and developmental stages.
• Bobbitt's Approach: Teachers need to ensure that learning activities are aligned with
predetermined objectives and learning outcomes. They focus on delivering clear, concise
instructions that lead to measurable results. In this approach, teachers are expected to
maintain control over the learning environment, using assessments to gauge students'
mastery of specific skills. Their role is more directive, ensuring that students are achieving
set goals in an efficient, organized manner.
1.3 Practical Implications for Learners (5 marks)
• Stenhouse's Approach: Learners in this model are encouraged to take ownership of their
learning. They engage in critical thinking and inquiry, learning through discovery rather than
passive reception. This approach allows students to pursue their own interests within the
curriculum, fostering autonomy, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of the
content.
• Bobbitt's Approach: Learners in this model are expected to focus on mastering specific, pre-
defined skills. Their learning experience is more structured, with clear expectations for
performance. While this approach can provide a sense of clarity and measurable progress, it
may limit creativity and exploration, as students are typically required to meet set objectives
and perform specific tasks or behaviors.
Page 2 of 15
