WHEELER Cyclical Model of curriculum Process

Cyclical models on the other hand are an extension of the objective model as tyler lays a

foundation for most curriculum models.

a. They are logical and sequential in approach.

b. They present the curriculum process as a continuing activity, which is constantly

in a state of change as new information or practices become available.

In other words,

• the content,

• methods of learning activities and

• evaluation are liable to change once new information or practices become available.

Importance of Cyclic Model

a. The Cyclical model is responsive to needs, which are on-going, necessitating

constant updating of the curriculum process.

b. They are flexible.

c. These models view elements of the curriculum as interrelated and

interdependent. They accept a degree of interaction between the various

curriculum elements.

d. The Cyclical models involve Situational Analysis, which involves the analysis of

those factors, which exist in the environment where the curriculum is going to be

introduced.

In cyclical model, D. K. Wheeler, who developed and extended the ideas forwarded by

Tyler.

In line with this,

Wheeler suggested five interrelated phases that should developed logically as it is

demonstrated in his diagram.

Audrey Nicholls and Howard Nicholls also had to put in their input into the cyclical model. The

Nicholls model emphasises the logical approach to curriculum development, particularly where

the need for new curricula emerges from changed situations.

The cyclical models can be further described in terms of the structure that they follow

generally and its flexibility.

The Differences between Objectives and Cyclical model should not be under estimated.

Firstly, difference is that cyclical models are flexible while the objectives models are rigid.

Whenever there is new information, which needs to be incorporated in the curriculum, the

cyclical models readily incorporate it while it will be very hard for it to be included in the objective

model.

Secondly, Cyclical models view curriculum elements as interrelated and interdependent while in

the objectives models, the elements are linear, where one leads to another.

The third is that cyclical models present the curriculum process as a continuing activity, which is

constantly in a state of change as new information, and practices become available. Cyclical

models accommodate change over the years while in the objective model it’s not clear whether

this could happen or not.

Cyclical models emphasise the importance of Situational Analysis, so that the

subsequent curriculum will accurately reflect the needs of the learners for whom it is intended.