Autonomy and the curriculum: an exploration of three views

Abstract

The nature of autonomy, and the relevance of education to its development is explored through a discussion of three theories—progressive, liberal-rational and social class — of the curriculum. The discussion proceeds by a critical appraisal of a recent paper in which the theories are expressed. Reasons are advanced for a preference for a ‘collaborative’ over a ‘negotiated’ curriculum. The paper ends with a summary of arguments defending the liberal/rational curriculum against the progressive and social class analyses.