Emerging Curriculum.

An emerging curriculum is one, which is constantly evolving and includes theupcoming

and new areas of study. It is a dynamic curriculum and changes according to the

needs of the individual and society. Such a curriculum reflects the social and political

changes and is learner centred.

Let us now study some examples of how emerging societal trends influence curricula.

i) Liberal Education

It is in contrast to the old concept of authoritarian education in which learning and

instruction was teacher controlled. The teacher was the final authority and students

were passive recepients of knowledge without any individual freedom. Liberals contend

that the aim of education is to liberate the learners' minds and should be provided to all

without discrimination. The focus of modem curricula is natural and modem science

r and modern languages. It is a democratic approach to teaching-leaming and fosters

creativity and self-expression in the learners.

r ii) Global Education

1

Learners have to understand that they are a part of an ever-changing world. They

must be aware of the global changes and phenomenon that have resulted in global

interdependence. Global education is aresponse to this need of the world to understand

the evolving global systems. Students must understand that every aspect of human life

has global implications, whether it is clothing, transport, clean drinking water, pollution

or any other human activity. The students should be able to gauge ;he degree and pace

of changes in the world. The preparedness for such changes will necessitate the

development of such skills as problem solving, decision-making, creative thinking etc.

The global education cumculum should provide a global perspective to learners since

it strives to achieve the aims of global education which ultimately prepares learners

for facing the global realities.

iii) Interdisciplinary Education

The present curricula are no longer compartmentalised into rigid subject areas. In fact

the present curricula are deviated from traditional watertight compaxtments into broad

discipline areas. Several subject areas have converged to produce broad subject fields

,a such as biochemistry, environmental studies, bio-informatics business mathematics

etc. The interdisciplinary approach will facilitate a better understanding of the key

concepts of the subject matter and inculcate effective skills for solving problems of

F the society.

iv) Education for Secularism

Most of the societies in the present day world are secular i.e. people of various faiths

and religion live together. Societies abide by democratic principles and members of

society are free to practice religion of their choice. This is reflected in the schools,

where students belong to different faiths and religions. The state fosters secular culture

among the students through its curriculum. Imparting religious instruction may breed

discotltent and internal trouble within institutions. Liberals forwarded the concept of

secular education, which was accepted by the church and clergy. They replaced the

traditional religious aspects of the curriculum with scientific understanding of the

universe and a greater awareness of political, economic and cultural aspects of the '"

society.