importance of curriculum development

The Meaning and Importance of Curriculum Development

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importance of curriculum development

This article expounds on the definition of curriculum development. It also describes the importance of curriculum development in school, country, and society, in general. Read on to fully understand the meaning and importance of curriculum development in nation building.

A curriculum is considered the “heart” of any learning institution, which means that schools or universities cannot exist without a curriculum.

Before I discuss the importance of curriculum development, let me describe to you first the meaning or definition of curriculum. The meaning and importance of curriculum development is discussed in more detail in two separate sections.

Meaning of Curriculum Development

Given the importance of curriculum development in formal education, the curriculum has become a dynamic process due to the changes that occur in our society. Therefore, in its broadest sense, curriculum refers to the “total learning experiences of individuals not only in school but society as well” (Bilbao et al., 2008).

Curriculum development is defined as planned, purposeful, progressive, and systematic process to create positive improvements in the educational system. Every time there are changes or developments happening around the world, the school curricula are affected. There is a need to update them to address the society’s needs.

Curriculum development is the planned, purposeful, progressive, and systematic process to create positive improvements in the educational system.

The Meaning and Importance of Curriculum Development 1

To illustrate this contention, let’s trace back history.

importanceofcurriculumdevelopment
A reconstruction of Smilodon fatalis, a saber-toothed cat that lived on earth about 10,000 years ago (Modified from an illustration by Dantheman9758 at English Wikipedia CC BY 3.0).

People taught their children knowledge and skills to survive by catching fish or hunting animals for food during ancient times. They had no formal education during that time, but their children learned and acquired the knowledge and skills for survival.

During that time, they already had a curriculum that other educators call as, the saber-tooth curriculum. This type of curriculum refers to a kind of curriculum that existed during ancient times in which the purpose of teaching was for survival.

However, when the effects of discoveries and inventions became inevitable, ancient people’s way of life had changed for the better. As a result, education became formal, and curriculum development evolved as systematic, planned, purposeful, and progressive.

I recommend that you read the book “The Saber-Tooth Curriculum” for a better understanding of how curriculum evolves.

The Saber-Tooth Curriculum, Classic Edition

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Importance of Curriculum Development

Curriculum development has a broad scope because it is not only about the school, the learners, and the teachers. It is also about the development of society in general.

In today’s knowledge economy, curriculum development plays a vital role in improving a country’s economy. It also provides answers or solutions to the world’s pressing conditions and problems, such as threats to the environment, issues on politics, socio-economic problems, and other issues related to poverty, climate change, and sustainable development.

There must be a chain of the developmental process to develop a society. First, the school curriculum, particularly in higher education, must be designed to preserve its national identity and ensure its economy’s growth and stability. Thus, the president of a country must have a clear vision for his people and the nation.

For instance, in the Philippines, if President Aquino wants the country to become the Asia-Pacific’s tourism hub, then the school curriculum must be developed along that line. Curricular programs for higher education can be crafted in such a way that it will boost the tourism industry in the country.

To illustrate further, different models may arise, such as edu-tourism, eco-tourism, cultural tourism, medo-tourism, biz-tourism, techno-tourism, agri-tourism, archi-tourism, among others.

If universities have innovative curricular programs and demand in the local or global markets, many students, even from foreign countries, will enroll. A higher number of enrollees would mean income on the part of the universities.

As a result, if the income is high, it can be used for teachers’ promotion, scholarship, and remuneration. It can also be used to fund research and development endeavors and put up school facilities, libraries, and laboratories.

I believe that the country’s economy can improve people’s way of life through curriculum development. And to develop it, curriculum experts or specialists should work hand in hand with lawmakers such as senators and Congress members, the local government officials, governors, and mayors. Likewise, business communities and industries and other economically oriented players in society may be engaged in setting and implementing rules and educational reform policies.

Hence, curriculum development matters a lot in setting the direction of change in an organization, not only at the micro but also at macro levels. As long as curriculum development goals and objectives are apparent in the planner’s mind, cutting-edge achievements in various concerns can be realized.

At this point, the meaning and importance of curriculum development is clear to you.

For additional information on curriculum development, I condensed the contents of primary textbooks on curriculum development in my eBook on Curriculum Development. See a brief description of the eBook by clicking on the e-book.

curriculum development handbook
BUY NOW for only PhP49.95 Handy reference on curriculum development.

For more example on curriculum development, please read Edecolepmentalism: a Personal Philosophy of HIgher Education, and Translating the Edecolepmentalism Philosophy Into a University’s Vision, Goals, and Program Objectives.

Reference

Bilbao, P. P., Lucido, P. I., Iringan, T. C., and R. B. Javier (2008). Curriculum development. Philippines: Lorimar Publishing, Inc.

© 2014 December 13 M. G. Alvior | Updated: 03 July 2025

178 thoughts on “The Meaning and Importance of Curriculum Development”

    • Helo miss Mary please help

      With ths following learning theories,mental disciplone theory,natural unfoldment theory,behavoirisn and cognitivism.
      Can you please explain how each theor’s philosophical outlooks help in relation of curriculum design and development in schools

    • Hi Mary,

      I am doing some research in this area. I see you have only one reference at the end of your article. I was just wondering if this a reflection of how little work has being done in that area? I was wondering because I am finding it hard to find an research in this area.

      Regards
      Chris

      P.S. I am looking forward to reading your book

    • Hi Mary,

      I am doing some research in this area. I see you have only one reference at the end of your article. I was just wondering if this a reflection of how little work has being done in that area? I was wondering because I am finding it hard to find an research in this area.

      Regards
      Chris

      P.S. I am looking forward to reading your book

  9. your publication is very helpful, please keep posting for the benefit of the wider community. God bless!

    • Dear Kevin, Thanks a lot. Please pray that I have more time to write because I am also a very busy person.

  13. Hi, friends i really like this article and i will keep up try to make an effective contribution to you all.

  14. Hi friends, i believe that curriculum has a great important to determine the achivement, planned, and well organise level of study in schools.
    Reference:
    zaharaddeen Auwal Jikamshi (2016)

  24. I am so pleased reading your article , I was just called up to offer the “Introduction to curriculum development and teaching” I never knew how to go about it, but when I read through your article I was so enriched and hoping to give the best of what is expected of me to these starter class of University students.
    Stay blessed
    My regards

  25. Hello Dr. Marry,
    You have really published a great book for researchers and educators of curriculum. I am highly interested to buy an electronic copy of “THE MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF CURRICULUM development”. However, I have tried but it seems I didn’t find the right link. I would be grateful if you could send me the direct link, please. I appreciate your prompt and positive response.
    Very best regards,
    Mubarak

    • Thank you so much, Sir Mubarak. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me through my email. God bless and happy reading!

  26. Hi Dr. Marry! thank you for the Article. im started to study this article because this is one of my subject. the Curriculum development.

  27. Hi madam, Am Shechambo John excited to read saber- tooth curriculum, a useful material for tracing the foundation of curriculum development

  28. hello maam mary . thakyou for that article but I have a very simple question that makes me confuse . tsarr ihihi .. Are sabre-curriculum and saber curriculum thesame ?

  32. Hello Dr. Marry
    May I get some definition about curriculum development based on experts (min. 5 experts)?

    Thanks for a lot of article, really helpful me

    • Hello, Salmini. There are many weaknesses because curriculum development is highly political. If you have no strong influence or if there is no support coming from the Ministry of Education / Commission on Higher Education, the Teacher Education Council, the teachers, students and other stakeholders, it is difficult to develop a curriculum.

  38. Hello ma’am, I’m so appreciated by your talented in this article, I have learnt too much! please enlighten me and I need more knowledge about Curriculum Development, If you have more information about curriculum, please inform me… thank you so much ma’am, I want to see you in personal. ^_^

  40. Mamzy, I’m so sorry but I don’t have enough time to answer your questions. Perhaps, I could write an article about the topics you raised.

    • Hi, Reymark. You must know the different types because all schools have different purposes and the classes in most schools have different types of students. Each curriculum type serves the school’s purpose.

  45. Hi, Chami Kiondo. How are you? Can you tell me about yourself? I have so many readers and pardon me if I couldn’t exactly remember you. Thanks so much.

  48. Dr. Mary, alot of thanks for your great efforts. More grease to your elbow. God bless you more. Thanks.

    • Hi, Bruce. I’m Dr. Mary Alvior. As to your question, stakeholders have influence in curriculum planning. They can suggest or even prescribe the kind of curriculum designs, mode of delivery, contents, etc.

    • Hi, Nicholas. If you read thoroughly my article above, you would know the relevance of curriculum development to the current educational system.

  58. Please i will like to know the instructional considerations in curriculum development. You can please refer me to a site. Thank you. Do you know Prof. Grace Offorma?

  59. Hi, Rabi. I am not so confident with my answer but I think one thing that we have to consider as an international aspect of curriculum is the culture. The curriculum must be culture-sensitive.

  62. Thanks
    But i can see that your importance of curriculum development are based only on the economy.
    How do students and teachers benefit from this curriculum development

    • Hello, Mulinzi. Yes, it is more on the economy and that’s the uniqueness of my article and idea. Now, it is getting popular. The idea is to craft a curriculum that would boost the economy. Once you know that kind of curriculum then find out how to make it beneficial to the teachers and the students. The bottomline is we need to prepare our students ready to work. Equip them with knowledge and soft skills as well. But in the future, we don’t need knowledge because robots can do our work. We only need soft skills.

  64. please I will like to use your medium to ask this question: With relevant examples, account for the development of the curriculum at the level of school administration in Ghana.

    • Hello, Peter. I’m not particular with the school system in Ghana. I think other readers can answer you. To our readers, you can probably help Peter.

  65. This is helpful material. We are developing a curriculum for early childhood development. We are using your notes aes a guide. Timothy

    • Hi, Ishaq. I am Ms. Mary, I am a woman. You can address me as Ma’am Mary or Dr. Mary. You are welcome.

    • I like your articles on curriculum development Dr. Mary.How do I get more information on importance of curriculum development?

  67. Hi Ma’am,

    I’d like to ask does Course of Study and Curriculum are the same?

    Looking forward for your response.

    Thank you.

    • Hi, Ricovil. Yes, curriculum and course of study are the same but course of study is only an example of curriculum.

  69. Thanks ma,i really enjoyed reading your article.can you help tell me the factors that influence curriculum development?

  70. as curriculum student this piece of information was useful and i believe such article widening ours view more further as field of study.

  71. Hi Dr Mary,I am a student curriculum specialist,and I recently wrote an essay about curriculum development process.Your article really helped me to go about the essay and understand the relevance of curriculum development .I owe the grade I got to you. Thank you,continue educating.I will be here to support

    • Thank you Safiya. Please help us pray that we are given good health and time to keep this site. Help us also popularize this site in your country. Again, thank you so much.

  73. Hi, Ma’am Mary, what are some of the concepts of curriculum evaluation and implementation? Also help me on knowing the determinants of curriculum design!

  74. Hello madam, your article give me more knowledge. I pray for you to continue to write more articles.

    • Thanks a lot, Vicent. Please pray for my health. You can help us popularize the site in your place.

    • Dr Mary thanks for being available. I have a question.
      What is the importance of change and innovation in curriculum development?

  79. Dr Mary thanks for being available. I have a question.
    What is the importance of change and innovation in curriculum development?

    • Hello, Earnest. Change and innovation in curriculum development are essential. If there is a trend happening around the world, curriculum must change. It is also technology and industry driven. On the other hand, the change and innovation can be attributed to the ideas of curriculum developers. They can change the educational system or policy and that contribution can directly affect the society in general.

  86. Can you pleas3 help answer thes3…what is your understanding about curriculum is the very heart of educational system?

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