Abstract
The relative importance of curriculum in contributing to superior educational outcomes is reviewed and the emphasis on facts as opposed to development of analytical ability considered. The contribution of a broad and demanding curriculum to superior outcomes in various countries is noted. The advocacy of essential learnings and observable competencies is considered. Arguments about curricula in history, science and mathematics are traversed in respect of the development and nature of knowledge in those areas. The way in which students understand knowledge and develop an interest in those subjects is considered as is the purpose of learning in those fields. Recent developments in approaches to science and mathematics education in Europe are reviewed. The importance of student interest and involvement in the learning process is emphasised. The conservative tendencies of some advocates hold back necessary reforms focusing on student engagement.
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Griffin, D. (2014). Curriculum Matters. In: Education Reform: The Unwinding of Intelligence and Creativity. Explorations of Educational Purpose, vol 28. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01994-9_10
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