Transforming domain knowledge: a systemic view at the school curriculum

Abstract

What happens to domain knowledge on its way into the school curriculum? The article explores this question from a systems view of the knowledge transformation process. This process is not only bound to contextual knowledge about social forces but also to the school's own educational knowledge framework. Further, utilizing knowledge depends on images of learning and learners which have a powerful impact on the enacted school curriculum (instructional knowledge). The rationale and meaningfulness of a syllabus or a curriculum, of materials, media or textbooks also affect what is learned and taught (curriculum knowledge). In addition, our images of meaningful learning filter how domain knowledge is represented in the curriculum and put into practice. A conceptual framework is developed to understand the complexity of knowledge transformation with regard to learning purposes and recommendations for research.

Keywords:

• Curriculum
• curriculum knowledge
• curriculum theory
• domain knowledge
• educational standards
• instructional knowledge
• knowledge transformation
• learning competencies
• school knowledge
• science teaching
• spiral curriculum

Notes

1. It is hence interesting to note that Susanne Popp is preparing an interdisciplinary research program at Augsburg University together with other disciplines and research places.