The human nature of chemistry curriculum design and development: a Canadian case study

• Main Author: Kulik, Joel J.
• Other Authors: Lewthwaite, Brian (Curriculum, Teaching and Learning)
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: chemistry; curriculum; curriculum design; curriculum development; chemistry curriculum; chemistry curriculum development; human nature; humanity; human dynamics; chemistry education; chemistry teaching; chemistry learning; curriculum construction; curriculum process; curriculum development process; development team; tensionality; tension; influences on curriculum; factors that influence curriculum; lived experiences; stakeholders; historical; phenomenological; phenomenology; autobiography; autobiographical; political; politics; political factors; deconstruction; reconstruction
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/23897

This thesis is a case study of the design and development of one Canadian province’s intended Grade 12 Chemistry curriculum. It explores the story associated with its design and development and the lived experiences of the stakeholders involved. The goal is to highlight the dynamic human nature of the curriculum construction process. Specifically, through a case study approach this research identifies several dimensions of the nature of curriculum development considered by Pinar et al. (1995), namely: the “historical, political,…phenomenological, [and] autobiographical” (p. 847). This research determined the factors that influenced this curriculum and the lived experiences of the stakeholders involved. It examined how they reflected on the curriculum process and curriculum product, and investigated the deconstruction/reconstruction processes experienced by some participants. This research helps educators make more informed decisions about designing, developing and implementing curriculum.