Wheeler's Model of Curriculum Development depending on the design of the curriculum chosen.
That is either the subject curriculum, broad field
Wheeler’s Model of curriculum development activity, or core curriculum. The organization and
was conceived to take care of the criticisms of Tyler’s integration of experiences bring us to choose the area
model. In this article, we look at Wheeler Model of or domain of activities in which we can realize the
Curriculum Development, Strengths and Weaknesses subject curriculum.
among others.
D. K. Wheeler developed and extended the 5. Evaluate and revise the curriculum.
ideas through his work which was influenced by the This involves assessing the effectiveness of the
works of Tyler, Taba, and Bloom. The wheeler curriculum and making changes as needed to improve
curriculum model is prescriptive as well as cyclical. His it. It involves the evaluation of the effectiveness of all
model is a widely used approach to curriculum aspects of all other phases in attaining the objectives.
development and has been applied in a variety of In this phase, answers should be sought to questions
educational settings. It is usually used in conjunction such as “Has the student acquired the knowledge, skill,
with other models of curriculum development, such as and abilities intended?”
the Tyler model or the ADDIE model. The final phase of the model is to evaluate the
effectiveness of the curriculum in meeting its objectives
and achieving the desired outcomes for the learners.
This may include collecting feedback from the learners
and analyzing data on their performance. As stated in
the beginning paragraph of this article, Wheeler’s
model is an improvement upon Tyler’s model. Instead
of a linear model, Wheeler developed a cyclical model.
Wheeler’s curriculum model is deductive and
prescriptive and not linear like Tyler’s model.
Importance of the Wheeler Model of Curriculum
Development
The importance of Wheeler’s model in
curriculum development lies in its systematic and
structured approach to designing and implementing a
Phases of Wheeler Curriculum Development Model
curriculum that meets the needs and goals of the
learners and the educational institution. It helps to
1. The selection of aims, goals and objectives
ensure that the curriculum is relevant, effective, and
This involves determining the purpose of the program,
efficient in achieving its intended outcomes.
the audience it is intended for, and the outcomes that
Wheeler’s cyclical model has the advantage of
are desired. This first phase is the selection of aims,
flexibility over the linear model: it allows curriculum
goals, and objectives. Wheeler categorized goals into
specialists to start working at any stage in the process.
ultimate, mediate, and proximate goals. He also
The Wheeler’s model also emphasizes content
recognized general and specific objectives.
selection and the integration of content in providing
quality learning experiences. This model also focuses
2. Selection of learning experiences calculated to
on situational analysis. The context in which curriculum
help in attainment of these goals, aims and
decisions are taken is considered important, as this is
objectives.
believed to help make the most effective decision.
This phase two is the selection of learning
experiences. The author locates learning experiences Advantages of Wheeler’s Model of Curriculum
in the attainment of aims, goals, and objectives. He Development
cited play and field trips as examples of learning 1. It provides a structured approach
experiences. 2. It helps ensure that the curriculum is
comprehensive.
3. Selection of the content (subject matter)
This involves deciding what content will be included in 3. Ensure the curriculum aligns with the educational
the curriculum and identifying the specific learning program goals.
objectives that will be addressed. It involves the . 4. It can be useful for evaluating the effectiveness of
selection of the subject matter, which must reflect the the curriculum.
content. The content, explicit or implicit, is established
with respect to the subject matter. Disadvantages of Wheeler’s Model of Curriculum
Development
4. Organization and integration of learning 1. It may not be appropriate for all educational
experiences and content 2. It may not adequately address issues of equity and
This phase is that of the organization and integration of
inclusion
learning experiences and content. This phase is done
3. It may be too prescriptive and inflexible
4. It may not adequately consider the needs and
interests of learners.
