Curriculum is one of the most important elements of education system. A curriculum is essential in planning the education process and procedures such as terms, sessions and lesion periods over a given period of time. In general, a curriculum encompasses a continuous chain of activities required to translate the goals of an education system into specific activities, materials and observable behavior changes. In other words, curriculum is a set of interrelated plans and experiences that students must complete under the guidance of the school or early childhood settings. Some studies defined a curriculum as the sum of all student experiences within the education process. In this regard, curriculum consists of the interaction between students and the instructional content, materials, resources and processes in a manner that can assist in evaluation of education goals. In most cases, curricula are standardized and incorporate high level of autonomy of the learner and instructor. Most countries around the world including Australia have a curriculum that is used to act as a guide in primary and secondary education.
Specifically, Australian curriculum can be described as a national curriculum used by all primary and secondary schools to realise progressive development, review and implementation of education activities and processes in Australia. Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is an independent body tasked with the development and review of the Australian curriculum. Currently, states and territories of Australia are engaged in implementation of various aspects of Foundation to Year 10 part of the curriculum. The curriculum contains expected performance outcomes and content for all Australian teachers and students. It also provides various strategies and tactics that can assist in delivering the objectives of education as well as behavioral changes which are necessary in acceleration of student learning. However, effective implementation of the curriculum can face numerous opportunities and challenges which significantly impact on the expected outcomes.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Description of the background and context of the Australian Curriculum
3. Critical analysis of the Australian curriculum
4. Conclusion and recommendations
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive description and critical analysis of the current Australian Curriculum, examining its historical development, implementation challenges, and the effectiveness of its core pillars, specifically regarding literacy and numeracy within diverse educational settings.
- Historical evolution and development of the national curriculum
- Analysis of general capabilities: Literacy and Numeracy
- Implementation challenges and policy issues in Australian schools
- Inclusivity concerns regarding Indigenous Australian history and culture
- Teacher professional standards and assessment methodologies
Excerpt from the Book
Critical analysis of the Australian curriculum
The Australian Curriculum priorities focus on the issues of reconciliation efforts with the Australia’s indigenous peoples, current and future economic and cultural ties with Asian countries and the role of Australia both locally and globally regarding sustainability (Australian Government, 2018). The interrelationships of three dimensions of Australian Curriculum acknowledges the traditional disciplinary knowledge and skills and also enable students to develop skills, values and dispositions which are essential for success in the modern world (ACARA, 2014). The curriculum has also been aligned with testing items outlined by the National Assessment Program. While the need to align curriculum content to assessment program is evident, studies showed that in many cases the expected outcomes are not realised. Some studies have attributed this disconnect to the many different agencies which are responsible for development of testing programs and those that engages in development of the curriculum. Other factors include the differences in curriculum reform initiatives and test item development as well the influence of international assessment programs such as Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) (Kadir, 2018).
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter defines the concept of a curriculum and provides an overview of the Australian national curriculum, noting its role as a guide for primary and secondary education under the oversight of ACARA.
Description of the background and context of the Australian Curriculum: This section traces the historical development of the national curriculum, detailing the political processes and the establishment of ACARA to oversee its implementation.
Critical analysis of the Australian curriculum: This chapter provides an in-depth critique of the curriculum’s pillars, specifically focusing on literacy, numeracy, and the challenges regarding standardization, assessment, and inclusivity for Indigenous populations.
Conclusion and recommendations: This chapter synthesizes the main findings, acknowledging the curriculum's evolution while highlighting persistent loopholes and the need for policy reforms that involve diverse stakeholders.
Keywords
Australian Curriculum, ACARA, Literacy, Numeracy, NAPLAN, Educational Standards, Indigenous Education, Student Assessment, National Curriculum, Educational Policy, Teaching Standards, Critical Analysis, Colonialism, Inclusive Education, Curriculum Development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
This work focuses on providing a critical analysis of the Australian national curriculum, evaluating its development, current structure, and its effectiveness in achieving educational outcomes.
What are the central themes of the document?
The central themes include the historical context of the curriculum, the implementation of core capabilities like literacy and numeracy, assessment challenges, and the need for greater inclusivity for Indigenous Australians.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to describe and critically assess the current Australian Curriculum to identify loopholes and areas requiring improvement to better meet the needs of all students.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The author utilizes a descriptive and comparative analysis approach, incorporating literature reviews and primary data gathered through qualitative student interviews.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the history of the curriculum, the pillars of learning areas, the critique of standardized assessments like NAPLAN, and the integration of teaching standards.
Which keywords characterize this study?
Key terms include Australian Curriculum, ACARA, Literacy, Numeracy, Educational Standards, and Indigenous Education.
How does the author view the term 'numeracy' within the curriculum?
The author argues that the current use of 'numeracy' in the context of the Australian Curriculum and NAPLAN is inappropriate and creates confusion, as it is often limited to a measure of mathematics achievement rather than a broader skill for real-life application.
What critique is raised regarding the curriculum's treatment of Indigenous peoples?
The author asserts that the curriculum fails to adequately consider the needs, history, and cultures of Indigenous peoples, instead perpetuating colonial narratives and causing Indigenous learners to bear a "burden of excellence" due to biased evaluation criteria.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Difrine Madara (Autor:in), 2019, The history and implementation of the Australian curriculum. Successes, opportunities and challenges, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/520214
