The Tyler Model, developed by Ralph W. Tyler in the 1940s, is a well-known and influential approach to curriculum design and evaluation. This model provides a structured framework for educators to develop and assess curriculum. It comprises four key steps:
1. Objectives:
- Tyler's model starts with identifying clear and measurable learning objectives. These objectives define what students should know and be able to do by the end of the curriculum.
2. Content:
- Once the objectives are established, educators select the content or subject matter that will help students achieve those objectives. The content should be directly related to the stated goals.
3. Learning Experiences:
- In this step, teachers plan the methods, strategies, and activities that students will engage in to master the content and meet the objectives. Learning experiences should align with the content and objectives.
4. Evaluation:
- Evaluation in the Tyler Model involves assessing whether students have achieved the stated objectives. This often includes the development of appropriate assessment methods and tools.
One of the key characteristics of the Tyler Model is its focus on defining clear and specific learning objectives as a starting point for curriculum design. The model follows a linear and systematic process, where objectives guide content selection, which, in turn, informs the design of learning experiences and assessments. Evaluation is used to measure the extent to which objectives have been met.
While the Tyler Model has been influential in educational curriculum development, it has also been critiqued for being overly prescriptive and for not taking into account the broader context of education, such as the diverse needs and interests of students. As a result, modern curriculum development often incorporates other approaches and methodologies alongside or in place of the Tyler Model to create more holistic and student-centered curricula.