Wollo University
Institute of Teachers Education and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Assignment for Secondary School Curriculum and Instruction (PGDT 413)

Answer the following questions (Weight: 30%)

1. Discuss the major educational philosophies, mainly positivism and constructivism, in terms of the nature of knowledge, teaching, learning, and assessment techniques.

2. Currently, a new education reform has been made in Ethiopia. Why do you think a curriculum change (reform) is needed in our education system? Discuss what is added to the new curriculum.

3. Discuss the difference between the following: Curriculum framework, Flowchart, Syllabus, Textbooks, and Teacher's guide. Discuss in detail the differences between planned (explicit) curriculum, hidden (implicit) curriculum, and null curriculum.

4. What is instructional planning? What are the major elements included in a lesson plan? Describe each element briefly.

5. Identify and discuss 21st-century skills and explain their philosophical basis.

6. What is effective teaching? What are the characteristics and principles of effective teaching?

7. What is active learning? What makes learning "active"? Why is it necessary to make learning active?

8. Do you think that Indigenous knowledge has been integrated into the curriculum materials you teach? Discuss the types of Indigenous knowledge areas (customs, traditions, traditional ecological knowledge, spiritual beliefs, etc.) integrated into your subject matter.

9. Do you think that the issue of diversity is being considered in the reformed curriculum? Discuss how it is emphasized in terms of content, teaching-learning methods, and assessment in the curriculum materials you teach.

10. What is continuous assessment, and what are its purposes and benefits? How can it be effectively implemented in the classroom to enhance student learning and achievement? Discuss the challenges and considerations.