1. Educators in school districts should recognize the characteristics and relative merits of various curricular designs
before selecting the approach most suited for the district. Discuss the content emphasis, instructional emphasis, and
relative merits of the subject-centered and the student-centered curricular approaches.
ANSWER: The subject-centered approach emphasizes content that is predetermined by the
teacher. The particular content varies with the specific approach. Instruction focuses
on knowledge, concepts, and principles. The primary advantage is the logical way of
organizing information. The student-centered approach generally emphasizes content
that is based on student needs and interests. Instruction is characterized by more
student involvement. There may be an active, experimental environment with individual
and group learning. The primary advantages are that the curriculum has intrinsic
interest for students and that they become actively involved in learning.
DIFFICULTY: Difficult
REFERENCES: 14-1a Subject-Centered Curricula
14-1b Student-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Applying
2. Chapter 14 concludes with a discussion of emerging trends in curriculum: the importance of the arts, education of
English language learners, Pre-K education, and career and technical education. Which trend do you believe will be
the most important to the future education of your children? Why? Which trend do you believe might be least
important to the relevance and quality of their education? Why?
ANSWER: There are no right or wrong answers to this question. The goal is to encourage students
to analyze and assess these curriculum trends in light of their own values and their
knowledge of social forces. Evaluate their responses according to the understanding
they demonstrate of the nature and purpose of the trends they identify, their knowledge
of emerging societal conditions, and the soundness of the reasoning they use to support
their ideas.
DIFFICULTY: Difficult
REFERENCES: 14-4 Significant Curriculum Trends
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.04 – Identify trends that are likely to affect curriculum and
instruction in the immediate future.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Analyzing
3. Kevin is on the curriculum development committee for a new school in his district. He believes that schools should
focus on cultivating the intellect, instilling timeless values, and presenting the classics. What kind of curriculum is
Kevin most likely to support?
a. student-centered curriculum b. essentialist curriculum
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1a Subject-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
4. High-school study of English, mathematics, the sciences, history, foreign languages, and geography is central to the
a. essentialist curriculum. b. humanistic curriculum.
c. student-centered curriculum. d. activity-centered curriculum.
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1a Subject-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
5. The back-to-basics curriculum has been criticized because it
a. overemphasizes English content.
b. requires too many basic content courses.
c. suppresses the students’ creativity.
d. helps prepare students to pass statewide exit tests.
ANSWER: c
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1a Subject-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
6. Whichsubjectscouldbeidentifiedas”exploratorysubjects”?
a. English, history, science b. business mathematics
c. creative writing, drama d. the classics
ANSWER: c
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1a Subject-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
7. The new core curriculum may create problems for
a. average-ability students. b. college-bound students.
c. gifted students. d. students with low school ability.
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1a Subject-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
8. Rosemary, an elementary-school teacher, doesn’t like a structured curriculum, although she does believe in well-
plannedlearningexperiences.Shelikesto“gowiththeflow”ofstudentcuriosityandtouselearningcenters,
dramatizations, and projects based on the emerging interests of her students. Which of the following types of
student-centered curricula would best meet her needs?
a. activity-centered curriculum b. alternative school curriculum
c. relevant curriculum d. value-centered curriculum
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1b Student-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
9. Subject-centered approaches to curriculum tend to be easier to implement than student-centered approaches
because
a. there is much less variation in implementing a subject-centered curriculum since subject content does not
change dramatically from student to student or class to class.
b. teachers who have a strong background in the discipline they teach do not have to worry as much about the
effectiveness of their teaching methods.
c. the methods necessary to teach effectively do not vary much from one subject area to the next.
d. students, generally speaking, would rather learn according to a subject-centered approach.
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1a Subject-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
10. Supporters of the student-centered curriculum maintain that when the needs and interests of learners are
incorporated into the curriculum,
a. academic achievement improves.
b. the curriculum is more logically organized.
c. parental support increases.
d. students are intrinsically motivated to learn.
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1b Student-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
11. Critics of the student-centered curriculum maintain that
a. competition exists within the classroom.
b. important content is overlooked.
c. students’ self-esteem is not improved.
d. teachers are not prepared to teach in that environment.
ANSWER: b
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1b Student-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
12. Stronger school-community ties intended to prepare students for problem-solving and active participation would be
part of the
a. activity-centered curriculum. b. essentialist curriculum.
c. back-to-basics curriculum. d. humanistic curriculum.
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1b Student-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
13. A course on environmental protection is most likely to be a component of which curriculum approach?
a. relevant curriculum b. humanistic curriculum
c. alternative or free schools d. back-to-basics curriculum
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1b Student-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
14. The ultimate goal of curriculum is to develop learners willing to ______________________.
a. complete a high school education
b. participate in a democratic society
c. participate in the back-to-basics movement
d. engage in a student-centered approach
ANSWER: b
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-4d Career and Technical Education (CTE)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.04 – Identify trends that are likely to affect curriculum and
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
15. Curriculum is usually developed at the
a. federal level. b. state level.
c. district level. d. school level.
ANSWER: c
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-2 Issues in Curriculum Development
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.02 – Examine issues that influence the development of curriculum.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
16. _______________ is best known as an early leader in the movement for an activity-centered curriculum.
a. John Dewey b. Jean Rousseau
c. William Kilpatrick d. Ernest Boyer
ANSWER: c
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1b Student-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
17. Which of the following statements about the role of textbooks in curriculum is most accurate?
a. The curriculum plan, not the textbook, tends to most determine the knowledge base for individual courses.
b. Textbooks tend to help address the curriculum to the special needs of particular groups of students.
c. Textbooks influence the nature and sequence of a curriculum.
d. Textbooks tend not to affect students’ learning experiences.
ANSWER: c
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-2 Issues in Curriculum Development
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.02 – Examine issues that influence the development of curriculum.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
18. New studies suggest that the core curriculum
a. is adequate in preparing students for college.
b. is inadequate in preparing students for college.
c. is rigorous enough for college success.
d. adequately prepares students for employment in the work force after high school.
ANSWER: b
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1a Subject-Centered Curricula
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
19. The __________ curriculum places an emphasis on moral and ethical development.
a. core b. values-centered
c. student- centered d. subject-centered
ANSWER: b
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1b Student-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
20. Character education recognizes which of the following social problems as a justification of its purpose in schools?
a. corporate greed b. drug use
c. corrupt politicians d. all of the above
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1b Student-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
21. The greatest responsibility for curriculum development falls on
a. the state. b. the individual buildings in a district.
c. the teachers. d. the local school districts.
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-2 Issues in Curriculum Development
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.02 – Examine issues that influence the development of curriculum.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
22. Textbooks tend to lack detail in which of the following primary areas?
a. local and regional issues b. national issues
c. noncontroversial issues d. general knowledge
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-2 Issues in Curriculum Development
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.02 – Examine issues that influence the development of curriculum.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
23. Captain Underpants and The Bluest Eye are examples of ________.
a. recently objectionable works to be used in a school
b. recently approved works to be used in a school
c. an updated required reading list for high school students
d. technology enhanced learning
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-2 Issues in Curriculum Development
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.02 – Examine issues that influence the development of curriculum.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
24. ____________ is a teaching technique that addresses a wide range of differences that exist among students in
today’sclassrooms.
a. Differentiated instruction b. Effective learning
c. Cooperative learning d. Team teaching
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-3a Differentiated Instruction
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.03 – Describe how the use of direct instruction, social and
emotional learning, differentiated instruction, and technology influence your work as a
teacher.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
25. A key requirement of differentiated instruction is that the curriculum emphasizes
a. accumulating facts. b. constructing understanding.
c. rapid changes in knowledge. d. specific outcomes.
ANSWER: b
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-3a Differentiated Instruction
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.03 – Describe how the use of direct instruction, social and
emotional learning, differentiated instruction, and technology influence your work as a
teacher.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
26. In ________________, students are introduced to lesson content at home.
a. a flipped classroom b. student-centered learning
c. subject-centered learning d. the back-to-basics approach
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-3e Technology-Enhanced Instruction
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.03 – Describe how the use of direct instruction, social and
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
emotional learning, differentiated instruction, and technology influence your work as a
teacher.
27. Partnership for 21st Century Skills represents the push towards curriculum that better prepares students for
a. the global job market. b. technology-driven learning.
c. the local job market. d. outcome-based education.
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-3d Twenty-First Century Skills
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.03 – Describe how the use of direct instruction, social and
emotional learning, differentiated instruction, and technology influence your work as a
teacher.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
28. If current trends continue, school curricula in the future will be
a. exclusively subject-centered.
b. exclusively student-centered.
c. focused on technology and change only.
d. focused on all of the above.
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-4d Career and Technical Education (CTE)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.04 – Identify trends that are likely to affect curriculum and
instruction in the immediate future.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
29. Among American citizens, approximately ________ % communicate in a language other than English at home.
a. 8 b. 21
c. 15 d. 30
ANSWER: b
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-4b Education of English Language Learners
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.04 – Identify trends that are likely to affect curriculum and
instruction in the immediate future.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
30. An example of subtle censorship of curriculum includes
a. topics omitted from textbooks.
b. the use of pictures in a textbook.
c. professionalorganizations’recommendations.
d. all of the above.
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Easy
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
31. Describe the instructional emphasis of a teacher using the essentialist curriculum.
ANSWER: The teacher would emphasize concepts and principles of the “three R’s” and the six
major disciplines and essential skills. There would be little opportunity for play or fun
activities. There would be a heavy focus on academic standards, along with a rigorous
grading system.
DIFFICULTY: Medium
REFERENCES: 14-1a Subject-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Understanding
32. Describe the core values that may be taught in a character-education curriculum.
ANSWER: Many school districts have developed the common core values that make up their
character education. The example provided for Baltimore County included the
following topics: compassion, courtesy, critical inquiry, due process, freedom, honesty,
human worth, dignity, integrity, justice, respect, responsibility, rule of law, self-respect,
tolerance, and truth.
DIFFICULTY: Medium
REFERENCES: 14-1b Student-Centered Curriculum
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Understanding
33. Describe the link between the back-to-basics approach and the No Child Left Behind Act.
ANSWER: Proponents of the back-to-basics approach insist on the need to maintain minimum
standards, which are usually enforced through some type of assessment of student
progress. The NCLB Act requires annual assessments in reading and math to
demonstrate mastery of those basic subjects, and schools and students are evaluated
on the basis of those results.
DIFFICULTY: Difficult
REFERENCES: 14-1a Subject-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Analyzing
34. What would be the purposes of a humanistic approach to curriculum?
ANSWER: Humanists would try to form more meaningful relationships between teachers and
students. They would foster student independence and self-direction and promote
greater acceptance of self and others. The teacher’s role would be to help learners
cope with their psychological needs and problems and to facilitate self-understanding
among students.
REFERENCES: 14-1b Student-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Understanding
DIFFICULTY: Medium
35. What role does technology have on the development of curriculum?
ANSWER: Children are more proficient in the use of technology. Their teachers, parents and
education curriculum must make the change to adjust the focus to a more diverse
selection of technology. It has forced the educational system to contribute more
financial and human resources in keeping up with the speed at which children are
learning new technology.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-3e Technology-Enhanced Instruction
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.03 – Describe how the use of direct instruction, social and
emotional learning, differentiated instruction, and technology influence your work as a
teacher.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Understanding
36. What are the drawbacks and benefits of using the textbook as the primary tool in curriculum development?
ANSWER: If curriculum is organized around a particular textbook, it may incur the same criticism
that textbooks usually receive; they tend to be general, noncontroversial, and
bland. Because they try to reach the largest audience possible, they fail to meet the
needs or interests of any particular group or individual. Textbooks can be superficial
and can discourage critical analysis and evaluation, and it would be better for a
curriculum to encourage these skills. The benefits of consulting a textbook are that it
provides an outline for planning lessons, summarizes large amounts of information, and
supplies additional resources.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-2 Issues in Curriculum Development
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.02 – Examine issues that influence the development of curriculum.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Understanding
37. What are the key issues in the efforts to censor textbooks and other resource materials used by schools?
ANSWER: The key issue seems to be whether there should be limits on what students are
permitted to read. A variety of topics are listed as targets for the censors, and
materials that are interpreted as antifamily, antireligious, or anti-American are subject
to possible censorship. Teachers need to be aware of the numerous special interests
that seek to censor materials and content.
DIFFICULTY: Medium
REFERENCES: 14-2 Issues in Curriculum Development
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.02 – Examine issues that influence the development of curriculum.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Understanding
38. Compare the subject-centered and student-centered curriculum. In what ways are they similar?
ANSWER: The process of developing both includes (1) assessing the needs and capabilities of all
learners and (2) selecting or creating the instructional materials and activities that will
address those needs.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 14-1a Subject-Centered Curricula
14-1b Student-Centered Curricula
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.01 – Identify where subject-centered and student-centered
curricula can be found in today’s schools.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Understanding
39. How might curriculum and instruction be changed to meet the needs of the increasing number of immigrants in the
United States?
ANSWER: Many of the immigrants may need assistance becoming acclimated to the school
setting. Consequently, bilingual education programs, multicultural education, and
perhaps compensatory programs may be needed.
DIFFICULTY: Difficult
REFERENCES: 14-4b Education of the English Language Learners
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.14.04 – Identify trends that are likely to affect curriculum and
instruction in the immediate future.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Understanding