Toward a Grammar of Curriculum Practice: Embracing New Conceptions of Curriculum and Curriculum Planning

Provides a new conceptualization of curriculum and of curriculum planning that is clearer, more functional, more adequate than those previously available. Curriculum planning can be conceptualized in various ways, and curriculum planners necessarily must adopt a particular approach in order to facilitate their thinking and decision-making. However, the history of curriculum planning suggests that existing conceptualizations are sometimes confusing, imprecise, or not as helpful as they might be. There is a need for a new conceptualization that overcomes the limitations of these earlier conceptions. Through conceptual analysis and concept development, the author presents curriculum planning as a form of educational practice distinct from other practices such as teaching, administration, and policy making. Short's "grammar of curriculum practice" describes a set of key concepts and the meaningful relationships among them that define the essential elements of curriculum and of curriculum planning.

Table of Contents:
Illustrations Preface Introduction 1. How Practice Is to Be Defined 2. How Curriculum Is to Be Defined Constituent Components of a Curriculum 3. How Curriculum Practice Is to Be Defined Deliberations Preferred Conceptions and Actions Prescriptions 4. How a Grammar of Curriculum Practice Is to Be Conceptualized Semantic Analysis and Construction of Individual Directives The Meaningful Structure of a Combined Set of Directives 5. The Value and Use of a Grammar of Curriculum Practice 6. What This Book Has Attempted to Do Closing Summary Notes References Index About the Author

About the Author :
Edmund C. Short is Professor Emeritus of Education at The Pennsylvania State University and Graduate Faculty Associate in the College of Community Innovation and Education at the University of Central Florida. His many books include Forms of Curriculum Inquiry (also published by SUNY Press); Leaders in Curriculum Studies: Intellectual Self-Portraits (coedited with Leonard J. Waks); and A Coherent Curriculum for Every Student: Curriculum Proposals for Possible Adoption.

Review :
"Short has identified a valid short-coming in the field—that is—truly identifying and separating the many facets/problems connected to understanding and defining "curriculum practice" from those of "teaching practices" which in fact can lead to a common grammar and common understanding within the field … Short has utilized both typical and traditional sources in his investigation as well as more current and contemporary ones. I would use this text in my master's degree course in curriculum development and probably refer to it greatly in my advanced curriculum course." — Robert C. Morris, University of West Georgia "This much-needed book … defines the discourses and responsibilities of curriculum planners. The work describes ten critical components of curriculum and provides practitioners with the tools they need to address those components. This book is a must-read for graduate students in curriculum as well as practitioners engaged in curriculum planning." — Stephen Gordon, Texas State University