Broad field curriculum
Broad
field curriculum has been developed under the critique on subject centered
curriculum which combines together the related subject matter in across or
disciplines into one broad field of study. The rational of broad field curriculum
is to draw attention towards the relationships and integration of the content
areas and experiences. Broad field design of curriculum is used to strengthen
the interdisciplinary integration for learning. It enables students make
linkages between the concepts across different disciplines. Acquisition of
knowledge and coverage of content is the emphasis by combining the concepts in
different disciplinary areas. Example of broad field design may be of social
studies integrating all subjects of history, geography, economics, civics and
sociology.
Apart
from its advantage, broad field curriculum may not easy to implement as it
demands the teachers who are trained and having knowledge of content in
different subject areas. It is only appropriate at middle and secondary level
schools and classes because at higher levels it may be applicable because of
the specialized nature of the courses. In broad field curriculum, students are
tending to obtain knowledge at surface level because of not having an in-depth understanding
into a particular subject.