Scholarly Research Journal for Humanity Science & English Language,

Online ISSN 2348-3083, SJ IMPACT FACTOR 2019: 6.251, www.srjis.com

PEER REVIEWED & REFEREED JOURNAL, OCT-NOV, 2020, VOL- 8/42

ROLE OF TEACHER’S IN CURRICULUM CONSTRUCTION AND

TRANSACTION – SEARCH FOR BETTER FUTURE

Dr. Omprakash H M, Professor

Department of Curriculum and Instructions
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Bule Hora University, Adola, Oromia, Ethiopia
[email protected]
Dr. Chala Wata Dereso, President
Bule Hora University, Bule Hora, Ethiopia
[email protected]
Asfaw Gelaw Nefa, Dean
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Bule Hora University, Adola, Oromia, Ethiopia
[email protected]
Abraham Ayele Dulo, Vice-Dean
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Bule Hora University, Adola, Oromia, Ethiopia
[email protected]

Abstract

The term curriculum used in a number of ways by parents, educators and businesses. Some see
curriculum as the “academic stuff that is done to children in school.” Teachers themselves use the
term in different ways depending on their views and needs. In any school staffroom one may hear
statements about curriculum such as the following: “The kids are really making progress since I
began modifying the curriculum to better meet their needs.”
Curriculum does not mean only the academic subjects traditionally taught in the school, but it
includes the totality of experience that a pupil receives through the manifold activities that go on in
the school, in the classroom, library, laboratory, workshop, play-grounds and numerous informal
contacts between teachers and pupils. In real sense, the whole life of the school becomes the
curriculum, which can influence the life of the students at all points and help in the development of a
balanced personality.The exploration of knowledge and advancement of technology have enhanced
the role of responsibilities of teacher. The teachers have therefore to remain ‘aware and awake’
towards social needs and new developments. While it is essential that classroom interactions
terminate in the achievements of the desired competencies in the pupil, it is highly desirable on the
part of the teacher that he inculcates the spirit of inquiry and right attitudes to apply his knowledge to

Copyright © 2020, Scholarly Research Journal for Humanity Science & English Language
 Dr. Omprakash H M, Dr. Chala Wata Dereso, Asfaw Gelaw Nefa & Abraham Ayele Dulo
(Pg. 10635-10645) 10637

life situations, leading to inculcations to the habit of lifelong learning among his pupils. The learning
process is no more restricted to teacher talks students receive concept.
Key Words: Teacher, Curriculum Construction, Transaction and Better Future
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Introduction:
The teacher is the principal agent in implementing educational programs and
appropriately transacting the curricula in the classroom. The teacher has to create a suitable
congenial learning environment whereby the students can investigate, question, discuss and
seek guidance for arriving at the appropriate solution of the problems. NPE-1992 states that
“The status of the teacher reflects the socio-cultural ethos of the society” it is said that no
people can rise above the level of its teachers. The government and the community should
Endeavour to create conditions, which will help motivate and inspire teachers on constructive
and creative lines. Teachers should have the freedom to innovate, the device appropriate
methods of communication and activities relevant to the needs and capabilities of and the
concerns of the community”.
Jackques Delors Report, “Learning: The Treasure within” (UNESCO, 1996) also
emphasis that teachers are instrumental in the development of attitude positive or negative to
learning. Teachers can awake curiosity, stimulate independence, encourage intellectual vigor
and create conditions for success as an agent of change; promoting understanding and
tolerance that has never been obvious than today.
Concept of Curriculum:
“A curriculum is a definition of what is to be learned. The origins of the word are from
the Latin “Curriculum” a racing chariot, from which is derived a racetrack, or a course to be
run, and from this, a course to study”. (Ross, 2000).
The term curriculum is used very widely in the literature to refer instructionally related
educational experiences of students. It encompasses educational philosophy, values,
objectives, organizational structure, materials, teaching strategies, students’ experiences,
assessment and learning outcomes (Leithwood, 1981).
A school curriculum consists of “all those activities designed or encouraged within its
organizational framework to promote the intellectual, personal, social and physical
development of its pupils. It includes not only the” formal” program of lessons but also the
“informal” program of extra-curriculum activities as well as those features which produce the
Copyright © 2020, Scholarly Research Journal for Humanity Science & English Language
 Dr. Omprakash H M, Dr. Chala Wata Dereso, Asfaw Gelaw Nefa & Abraham Ayele Dulo
(Pg. 10635-10645) 10638

school ethos such as the quality of relationship, the concern for equality of opportunity, the
values exemplified by the way the school sets about it’s the tasks and the way in which it is
organized and managed. Teaching and learning styles strongly influence the curriculum and
in practice cannot be divorced from it”. (Skilbecn, 1990).
Concepts of curriculum construction :
The term “Curriculum Development, “Curriculum Planning”, “Curriculum Design”
(together with the more antiquated terms “Curriculum making” and “Curriculum
construction”) are used more or less interchangeably to refer to the processes and decisions
involved in specifying a curriculum plan. (The International Encyclopedia of Education,
1994, P-1322).
Curriculum design refers to as ‘the act of creating curriculum in schools. This may
involve the purchase of text books, (One kind of work plan and curriculum) and/or the
writing of curriculum guide (another kind of work plan), and neither may be well connected
to the other. This presents a real problem in considering the ‘alignment of curriculum’ to the
tests in use. School officials like to believe that teachers follow curriculum guides when in
fact research reveals they are much more likely to be dependent upon the textbook as the
actual day-to-day work plan or real curriculum. Curriculum delivery refers to any act of
implementing, supervising, monitoring, or using feedback to improve the curriculum once it
has been created and put into place in schools.” (Fenwick, 2000).
Teacher’s Role in Curriculum Development:
Before discussing the role of teachers in curriculum development, it would be
worthwhile to discuss their role in the curriculum planning – a stage preceding curriculum
development. It has been noted that curriculum planning involves a series of steps, namely:
1. Specification of goals
2. Setting curriculum objectives,
3. Choice of curriculum inputs reflecting these criteria and designed on certain
specific scheme of studies.
4. Determining the suitable transaction strategies and appropriate evaluation
scheme.
How are these steps actually determined in curriculum development? Who takes the
crucial decisions in this regard? What roles do the teachers play in determining the various
steps involved?
Copyright © 2020, Scholarly Research Journal for Humanity Science & English Language
 Dr. Omprakash H M, Dr. Chala Wata Dereso, Asfaw Gelaw Nefa & Abraham Ayele Dulo
(Pg. 10635-10645) 10639

In the process of curriculum development teachers play some significant role. But the
most significant questions: How many teachers can actually participate in this process? Are
the existing provisions for teacher participation in curriculum planning adequate and
satisfactory? Under the existing arrangements, the involvement of practicing teachers in
curriculum planning process is not significant.
It is now recognized that the teachers should be given more extensive and role in
curriculum planning. Apart from curriculum planning, there are other stages where in
teachers are involved. These are curriculum development, curriculum delivery, and
curriculum evaluation or review. The process of curriculum development (design) normally
begins with the task of determining the specific objective of teaching a particular course of
the program followed by writing content outlines; specification of relative weight ages for
different content items within a courses; in terms of instructional time allocation, selection of
the teaching – learning strategies such as classroom teaching, practical, demonstrations, field
work self-study, group activities etc.; development of instructional, reading material, etc; and
specification of evaluation procedures. Here the question arises is what role practicing
teachers play in these exercise? The preparations of curriculum outlines entail experimental
exploration in course formulation teaching activities as well as in the evaluation procedures.
The profession of teaching demands that every teacher should give serious thought of these
issues and ensure their active involvement in the process of curriculum building. School
situation and the community around offer tremendous opportunities to teachers to experiment
innovate and explore new areas of teaching.
The curriculum demands active efforts on the part of the teacher to bring about more
insights, greater knowledge, and increased enthusiasm in the pupils for learning. When
teachers do not from part in the process of curriculum change, they would not be inclined in
implementing the changes.
The overall responsibility curriculum development in all countries lies with
governments. In most countries curriculum development is relatively centralized. The
countries like China, Fiji, Thailand, Maldives, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia,
Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand all report highly centralized curriculum development
process. Though the final decision is made at the government level, the teachers, teacher
unions and others stakeholders are consulted before and during the development process. In

Copyright © 2020, Scholarly Research Journal for Humanity Science & English Language
 Dr. Omprakash H M, Dr. Chala Wata Dereso, Asfaw Gelaw Nefa & Abraham Ayele Dulo
(Pg. 10635-10645) 10640

the counties such as Australia, France, New Zealand and Philippines, systematic inputs few
teachers on policy development; training and reviewing curriculum are obtained.
Teacher’s Role in curriculumTransaction :
Curriculum delivery, after its development, is the most critical issue in the entire
process of curriculum management. The process generally involves teachers, student and
contents of the curriculum. The contents to be learned by the students, are essentially
contained in the textbooks, workbooks etc. And it is the teacher’s responsibility to teach
these contents to the students. Curriculum delivery / transactions are a systematic process in
which every component, i.e. teachers, students’ material and learning environment is crucial
to successful learning. This perspective of curriculum delivery is usually referred to as the
system approach to design instruction. The classroom teaching which a major component of
curriculum delivery is needs to be tailored according to the demands of the reality. In normal
conditions, each has at least one teacher with adequate teachers-pupil ratio. However,
developing countries face the problem of multi grade and large classroom settings demanding
different strategies of curriculum delivery. Also, the classroom teaching-learning is not
merely limited to the use of talk, chalk and board. Rather, it is being supplemented by audio-
video aids and computer aided instructions using pen drive also, it would therefore, be
appropriate to discuss teachers role in curriculum delivery in three sub-sections:
1) Curriculum transaction in normal classroom.
2) Curriculum transaction in multi-grade contexts
3) Use of Information Technology in Classroom Teaching.
1) Curriculum Transaction in Normal Classroom:
In the beginning of the transaction process, the teacher seeks answer to many questions
such as: what I am going to teach? How much matter should I include in a particular
(syllabus) course unit? What are the contents for each session of the course? How to arrange
the topics and sub-topics of the course? Am I going to follow a definite rule, procedure while
transacting these topics? Have I allotted sufficient time for each of these topics and
subtopics? What type of methods and media am I going to use? What sort of instructional
strategies and evaluation procedure am I going to adopt for teaching these contents? The
answer to such questions identifiesseveral of teacher’s curriculum transaction. For instance
certain course may demand that the whole transaction of the course be done only through
field work or, even within a course, it may be essential such as practical work, classroom
Copyright © 2020, Scholarly Research Journal for Humanity Science & English Language
 Dr. Omprakash H M, Dr. Chala Wata Dereso, Asfaw Gelaw Nefa & Abraham Ayele Dulo
(Pg. 10635-10645) 10641

lecture, assignment etc., for the effective delivery places varying demands on the time and the
other limited resources available. For example, transacting a content unit through classroom
lecture may place very limited demand on the time; human resources, etc. however, if the
same is to be transacted through practical exercise, depending on the specific objective, the
resource requirement will drastically differ. Similarly, carrying out field work will not only
require longer duration of students’ involvement but also change the role of a teacher
significantly. Any instructional strategy that a teacher adopts in a classroom must conform to
their personal style of teaching, and the model or models of teaching who prefer to work
closely with students. Hence, one should analyze the particular style of teaching and the
model that those finds most suitable for their particular style. A teacher should be much more
open minded and expand their efficiency by using difference models of teaching rather than a
single model of teaching.
As a catalytic agent teacher structures the internal working of classroom and also gives
direction to his/her pupils. The leadership style of teachers such as establishing relationship
with students and setting the classroom communication channel, working procedures and rule
enforcement supplemented with use of power denotes the climate for students learning.
However, differences are observed in terms of the way they structure the classroom
environment. A competent teacher manages the time available in school most effectively;
recognized and provides for individual differences among learners, including children who
are gifted as well as those who are weak; organizes and manages teaching and learning
through a combination of class, group and individual activities appropriate to the needs of
learners, the level of study and the nature of the subject matter; provides a stimulating and
effective environment for learning through good class organization and display; and uses the
environment and the children’s direct experience as a resource for learning.
Several studies have shown that there is improvement in the students’ achievement where
the teaching is well organized and the teachers are absolutely clear about their objectives.
Effective learning occurs where teachers clearly explain the objective of the lesson at the
outset and refer to them throughout the lesson to maintain the focus. The information of the
lesson should be structured in such a way that it begins with an “overview” and the main
ideas of the lesson are reviewed at the end. Joyce and Showers (1988) noted that the more
effective teachers teach the classroom as a whole-present information or skills clearly and
animatedly, keep the teaching sessions task-oriented, are non-evaluative and keep instructions
Copyright © 2020, Scholarly Research Journal for Humanity Science & English Language
 Dr. Omprakash H M, Dr. Chala Wata Dereso, Asfaw Gelaw Nefa & Abraham Ayele Dulo
(Pg. 10635-10645) 10642

relaxed, have expectations for achievement and relate comfortably to the students with the
consequence that they have behavior problems.
Tangyonget. Al. (1989), identified some desired behavioral attributes of teachers,
namely logical and flexible planning of work; encouraging children to think critically; better
recognition of individual differences between children and the range of ability within classes;
encouraging creativity in children; to link learning with living in the community;
differentiating the needs and interest of older and younger children; and encouraging co-
operation and mutual self help among them.
Different kinds of materials are developed for the implementation of curriculum. The
material support is primarily of two types; textbooks and teaching / learning materials. In
majority of the countries there has been a shift from teacher centered instructions to child
centered learning. This also involves encouraging problem-solving, creative thinking,
learning to learn, and activity based classroom programs. “Pupil practice” is enhanced when
teachers are sensitive to the learning styles of the pupils and where feasible the teachers
identify and use of appropriate strategies. In many cases, this requires flexibility on the part
of the teachers in modifying and adapting their teaching styles. A large number of studies
have revealed that there is a strong relationship between high expectations among teachers
and effective learning. High expectations correspond to a more role of teachers in helping
pupils to learn more and a strong sense of efficacy.
Reinforcement is an important element of effective in teaching and learning process.
Good discipline in classroom helps in effective learning. Frequent use of punishment by
teacher can create a sense and negative atmosphere affecting attendance and behavior of the
children and thus has adverse effects. On the contrary, praise and appreciation had a positive
relation with pupil behavior and to some extent increase their academic achievement and
attainments. Another factor for low achievements, new teaching techniques, use of difference
instructional materials and use of different distinguished procedures. One important issue
related to the teacher’s role in the implementation of the curriculum is learning assessment of
the studies. A variety of strategies are used to assess students learning which provides
feedback to the teachers with respect to the effectiveness of their teaching and also provides
students and parents essential information about the students progress.

Copyright © 2020, Scholarly Research Journal for Humanity Science & English Language
 Dr. Omprakash H M, Dr. Chala Wata Dereso, Asfaw Gelaw Nefa & Abraham Ayele Dulo
(Pg. 10635-10645) 10643

2) Curriculum Delivery in Multi Grade Schools :

Multi grade schools contain students of different ages and abilities in one classroom
under the direction of one teacher. For example bridge course in some part - Running schools
for child labor. They take a variety of organizational forms, ranging from a grouping of
several formal grades/ divisions under the direction of one teacher to completely non-graded
learning environment. Multi grade schools differ from ‘traditional schools’, where each class
is typically made up of a distinct grade with its own teacher and a classroom.
Appropriate pedagogical training and materials are both critical for successful multi
grade teaching. As regards approaches to classroom teaching, a multi grade teacher has to
know and use techniques and strategies to ensure that every child in his/her multi grade class
makes satisfactory progress. In the multi grade context the teachers has to make use of greater
flexibility in teaching strategies, create congenial learning climate, getting senior pupils to
help junior pupils, make group based on ability, engage some groups in co-curricular
activities, adjust available time most effectively. To build successful multi grade schools,
teachers need to develop a wide repertoire of teaching techniques and classroom management
practices. They require sufficient and appropriate instructional material and physical facilities
and local and regional professional support. Students may receive less individual attention,
and most often work independently. Student achievement in single grade school if multi
grade programmers are not supported with the required resources and if teachers are not
properly trained. Given the limited facilities and other constraints, a teacher in multi grade
context plays a very important and solitary role in making their classroom instruction
effective. In fact, the teacher job is not confined to the classroom teaching only.
Use of Information Technology in Curriculum Transaction:
The most important and challenging role of the teacher is the selection of the media or
medium that would like to use in the classroom. Teachers are often not able to decide by
themselves on the selection of the media/medium. At the outset, this decision is highly
dependent upon a thorough knowledge of:
1) What is being taught?
2) How it to be taught?
3) How it can be tested? : and
4) Who are the learners?

Copyright © 2020, Scholarly Research Journal for Humanity Science & English Language
 Dr. Omprakash H M, Dr. Chala Wata Dereso, Asfaw Gelaw Nefa & Abraham Ayele Dulo
(Pg. 10635-10645) 10644

Research findings suggested a variety of teaching media, which are available, not only
motivate the learners, but also make the process of teaching easier and more effective. These
include both print and non-print media.
The developments in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
have brought about paradigm shift in the methods of transaction or delivery of the context in
the classroom processes. This requires proper technological skills and right attitude on the
part of the teacher. The learners cannot derive optimal benefits from the Computer Based or
Mediated Learning Resources if the teachers themselves are not trained properly and are not
sufficient motivated.
It requires a shift in teachers’ responsibilities from merely teaching academic subjects
to the teaching of social and interpersonal skills. The delivery of education via online course
is set to change the entire landscape of course development and control mechanism on
delivery of instructions. Thus, the role of teachers will evolve into one that combines the skill
of a social worker, and a facilitator providing one-to-one mentoring. Several studies have
indicated that the Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) is more effective for individualized
interactive instruction as it helps to improve knowledge. Understanding and application level
capabilities ofthepupils’ .Effective use of technological aids and approach allowing students
greater autonomy and exploration and creatively towards attainment of larger development
goals. The technology rich learning environment is characterized by collaborative and
investigative approaches helping in integration of content across the curricula promoting
conceptual understanding. The teacher and students become co-learners in the co-operative
learning environments to benefit from the ICT classroom situation.
To suitably harness ICT resources, the teachers will have to be trained suitably to
cope with the change. Further, the appropriate use of modern technology in School
Curriculum World reduces the work load to teachers. Thus, the role of teacher in ICT based
instruction can be described as Facilitator, Synthesizer, Modeler, Co-explore, Instigator and
Helper.
Conclusion:
Hence,Teachers can contribute by collaboratively and effectively working
with curriculum development teams and specialists to arrange and compose martial,
textbooks, and content. Teacher involvement in the process of curriculum development is
important to align content of curriculum with students needs in the classroom.During the
Copyright © 2020, Scholarly Research Journal for Humanity Science & English Language
 Dr. Omprakash H M, Dr. Chala Wata Dereso, Asfaw Gelaw Nefa & Abraham Ayele Dulo
(Pg. 10635-10645) 10645

curriculum process, teachers consider how they can incorporate student choice into
classroom learning. Teachers can help students connect content to an individualized plan
that reflects a career interest. Project-based learning is a dynamic option that teachers must
plan in advance, during the curriculum process. This hands-on technique immerses students
in a practical project that brings alive the classroom curriculum. Providing a wide variety of
learning options speaks to the needs of all students and optimizes learning potential.
Teachers use the curriculum process to plan and coordinate student choice options.with the
minimal facilities available to teachers, the teacher has to be creative and resourceful.
Teacher uses his or her discretion in such a way that teacher can give maximum
attention to each people, minimize wastage of time and energy and get every child engaged as
much as possible to some kind of learning activities. The teacher relates the subject matter
taught to the daily activity of the children and their local environment. The teacher must
always be effortful and keen to enhance his own competency and to improve his teaching
style.Without doubt, the most important person in the curriculum implementation process is
the teacher. With their knowledge, experiences and competencies, teachers are central to any
curriculum development effort. Better teachers support better learning because they are most
knowledgeable about the practice of teaching and are responsible for introducing the
curriculum in the classroom.
References:
Leithwood,K.A. (1981). The Dimension of Curriculum Innovation, Journal of Curriculum Studies,
13,25-28.
Joyce. & Showers B. (1988). Students Achievement through staff development. New York : Long
Man.
TangyongA.f.,&Wahyidi (1989). Quality through support for teachers : A case study (in Education in
Asis and pacific, UNESCO, PROAP, Bangkok, No. 26, 1989-1990.
Skilbeck M. (1990). Curriculum reform, Paris : Center for Education Research and Innovation.
Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) (1993) National policy on Education. New Delhi
: Government of India.
English, W.f. (2000) Decoding what to Teach and Test. London. Corwiz Press.
Ross, A. (2000). Curriculum Construction and Critique. London :Falher Press.
UNESCO (2000). World Education Forum, Final Report, Daker, 26-28 April.
National Curriculum Framework 2005 ( NCERT).
www.ncte.com. Curriculum Frame Work.

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