,HED4802 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025
- DUE 20 June 2025; ;100% trusted, comprehensive
and complete reliable solution with clear explanation
Question 1 [50 marks +- 500 words] Curriculum design and
implementation are influenced by different paradigms of
knowledge and learning. Using the four paradigms of:
positivism, interpretivism, critical theory, and post-
structuralism, critically evaluate how each paradigm shapes
curriculum aims, knowledge selection, teaching strategies, and
assessment approaches in schools. Provide examples to support
your discussion. \
Curriculum Design and Implementation Through Four
Paradigms of Knowledge and Learning
Curriculum design and implementation are deeply influenced by
the underlying philosophical paradigms that shape how
educators and policymakers perceive knowledge and learning.
These paradigms determine the aims of education, the types of
knowledge deemed important, the teaching strategies employed,
and the ways in which student learning is assessed. The four
major paradigms—positivism, interpretivism, critical theory,
and post-structuralism—offer contrasting perspectives on these
educational aspects, each with distinct implications for
curriculum.
Positivism: Objectivity and Scientific Rigor in Curriculum
, Positivism is rooted in the belief that knowledge is objective,
universal, and discoverable through empirical observation and
scientific methods. It assumes a single reality that can be
measured and understood through rational inquiry. In education,
positivism shapes curricula that emphasize factual knowledge,
logical reasoning, and skill acquisition.
Curriculum Aims: From a positivist viewpoint, the
primary aim of education is to transmit a body of objective
knowledge and develop students’ cognitive and problem-
solving skills. The curriculum is designed to prepare
learners to master facts and methods that are considered
scientifically valid and universally true. For example,
mastery of mathematical principles, scientific laws, and
historical facts is paramount.
Knowledge Selection: Positivism privileges knowledge
that is quantifiable and empirically verifiable. Curriculum
content often focuses on disciplines like mathematics,
natural sciences, and technology, where knowledge is
structured, cumulative, and precise. This leads to a
standardized curriculum emphasizing canonical texts and
well-established theories.
Teaching Strategies: The teaching approach is
predominantly didactic, focusing on direct instruction,
drills, experiments, and repetition. The role of the teacher is
to transmit knowledge clearly and efficiently, ensuring
students absorb factual information. Problem-solving is
approached through logical reasoning and the application
of known rules.
Assessment Approaches: Assessments in positivist
paradigms are designed to measure the acquisition of
- DUE 20 June 2025; ;100% trusted, comprehensive
and complete reliable solution with clear explanation
Question 1 [50 marks +- 500 words] Curriculum design and
implementation are influenced by different paradigms of
knowledge and learning. Using the four paradigms of:
positivism, interpretivism, critical theory, and post-
structuralism, critically evaluate how each paradigm shapes
curriculum aims, knowledge selection, teaching strategies, and
assessment approaches in schools. Provide examples to support
your discussion. \
Curriculum Design and Implementation Through Four
Paradigms of Knowledge and Learning
Curriculum design and implementation are deeply influenced by
the underlying philosophical paradigms that shape how
educators and policymakers perceive knowledge and learning.
These paradigms determine the aims of education, the types of
knowledge deemed important, the teaching strategies employed,
and the ways in which student learning is assessed. The four
major paradigms—positivism, interpretivism, critical theory,
and post-structuralism—offer contrasting perspectives on these
educational aspects, each with distinct implications for
curriculum.
Positivism: Objectivity and Scientific Rigor in Curriculum
, Positivism is rooted in the belief that knowledge is objective,
universal, and discoverable through empirical observation and
scientific methods. It assumes a single reality that can be
measured and understood through rational inquiry. In education,
positivism shapes curricula that emphasize factual knowledge,
logical reasoning, and skill acquisition.
Curriculum Aims: From a positivist viewpoint, the
primary aim of education is to transmit a body of objective
knowledge and develop students’ cognitive and problem-
solving skills. The curriculum is designed to prepare
learners to master facts and methods that are considered
scientifically valid and universally true. For example,
mastery of mathematical principles, scientific laws, and
historical facts is paramount.
Knowledge Selection: Positivism privileges knowledge
that is quantifiable and empirically verifiable. Curriculum
content often focuses on disciplines like mathematics,
natural sciences, and technology, where knowledge is
structured, cumulative, and precise. This leads to a
standardized curriculum emphasizing canonical texts and
well-established theories.
Teaching Strategies: The teaching approach is
predominantly didactic, focusing on direct instruction,
drills, experiments, and repetition. The role of the teacher is
to transmit knowledge clearly and efficiently, ensuring
students absorb factual information. Problem-solving is
approached through logical reasoning and the application
of known rules.
Assessment Approaches: Assessments in positivist
paradigms are designed to measure the acquisition of
