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     By Allison 
          
          There are many different conceptions of curriculum 
           and approaches that the education system can take, 
           all with many pros and some cons. Conceptions of 
           curriculum are considered to be “the ways in which 
           curriculum is viewed or defined by those who 
           develop, implement or evaluate it and include 
           underlying beliefs about what is real, true and 
           valuable” (Thomas, 1990). It is important that 
           whatever conception of curriculum that is being used 
           is believed in and valued.
        Academic rationalism is said to be the most mainstream approach and the one that is used the 
         most in the education system. Academic rationalism is predominately focused on giving the 
         child the tools to participate in society and provide them with the access to some of the 
         world’s greatest ideas (Eisner & Vallance, 1974). This conception continues to be used over 
         time because it focuses on realizing that the education system cannot possibly teach children 
         everything but instead gives them knowledge and ability to learn how to find the answers 
         themselves and understand where to look (Eisner & Vallance, 1974). This still holds true for 
         curriculum today. Although we try to teach our students as much as we can, we understand 
         that not every child will learn all they are suppose to. Instead it is crucial that we give students 
         the ability to teach themselves and find the answers they need. This will help them once they 
         leave the school and our out in the world. Being given the ability to gain knowledge 
         themselves will help them navigate through society.
          
         There are many other conceptions of curriculum such self-actualization, which are not 
         considered as mainstream because of their inability to always implement. Self- actualization 
         refers to personal purpose and to the need for personal integration, and satisfying experiences 
         for each individual learner (Eisner & Vallance, 1974). I see this as an immensely important part 
         of curriculum and education. Seeing each child as an individual coming into school with 
         different experiences is crucial. However, for educators this could be a difficult task to 
         implement. We are given specific things we need to teach and although we try and create 
         different ways of teaching to cater to all the children’s needs this can be difficult when having 
         many students at once.
          
         All of these conceptions of curriculum hold value and can be an important part of education, 
         however it is clear that some are used more than others for many different reasons. With 
         education continuously changing it is important that these conceptions of curriculums remain 
         in effect but also are able to be tweaked and shifted to cater to todays society. 
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   By Carolynn 
                                       Humanistic
                           Social                    Academic 
                       reconstruction 
                                           Main 
                                        Conception
                                           s of 
                                        Curriculum
                             Cognitive          Technology 
                             process