Critical Analysis

The purpose for writing a

critique is to evaluate
somebody's work (a book,
an essay, a movie, a
painting...) in order to
increase the reader's
understanding of it. A critical
analysis is subjective writing
because it expresses the
writer's opinion or
evaluation of a text. Analysis
means to break down and
study the parts. Writing a
critical paper requires two
steps: critical reading and
critical writing.

BOOK:
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT:
A GUIDE TO PRACTICE

Jon Wiles and Joseph C.

Bondi
Submitted
by: HINA
KAYNAT
CURRICULUM
DEVELOPMENT:
A GUIDE
TO PRACTICE
M.Phil
EDUC. Bondi. Pearson
8th Edition. Jon Wiles
and Joseph
Publishing, 2011, $25.41.
Wiles and Bondi in Curriculum Development : A Guide to Practice provide a
comprehensive definition and examination of curriculum development by dividing
their book into four parts: perspectives, procedures, practices, and prospective.
Their approach provides a general survey of curriculum development which will
interest educators of all levels. In depth studies of curriculum theory are avoided
and an interesting and readable text results.
The "perspectives'' section deals with the general field of curriculum by focusing on
both the foundations and role of philosophy in curriculum planning. Brief
examinations of areas such as evolving definitions, the curriculum development
process, philosophy, influencing issues, and roles of curriculum developers provide
only an indication of the many aspects discussed. Also, dealing with philosophy and
class traffic control, building priorities, grounds, and classroom space in the same
chapter emphasizes the authors' attempts to provide a guide for the practitioner.
Although many topics receive only token consideration, the introductory approach
to general topics, extensive references, and a list of books to review at the end of
each chapter provides additional sources for readers seeking more comprehensive
answers.

Part Two, on curriculum procedures, focuses on basic tasks, instructional

considerations, leadership and change, and evaluating curriculum development.
Although this part relies heavily on quotes, tables, and lists, it is germane to the
notion of guide to practice.
The third part provides an introductory survey of elementary, middle, and secondary
programs and issues. Such topics as special programs for the handicapped and
gifted, individualized instruction, organizational patterns, and a brief overlook of
curriculum areas will prove beneficial for both pre- service and in service teachers.
Part Four includes issues focused on the changing political environment, the politics
of curriculum development, understanding budgets, the era of instability, and
curricular issues in a political era. These two chapters proved to be especially
thought provoking.

Review by Presenter:
The reader seeking a broad spectrum of curriculum development will
benefit from the text and its considerable reference notes and
bibliography. Further, the book, Curriculum Development: A Guide to
Practice , lives up to its name by providing numerous lists, tables, graphs,
and figures to assist in implementation. The text will be an excellent
resource for curriculum courses, curriculum coordinators, supervisors,
and others wanting a general knowledge of curriculum development.