What is the Difference Between Tyler and Wheeler Model of Curriculum

The key difference between Tyler and Wheeler model of curriculum is that the Tyler model consists of four concepts that start from objectives and ends with an evaluation, whereas the Wheeler model consists of five concepts that start with aims, goals, and objectives and ends in evaluation.

Both, the Tyler model and Wheeler models are adapted by many educationists around the world to develop curricula.

CONTENT

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Tyler Model of Curriculum 
3. What is Wheeler Model of Curriculum
4. Tyler vs Wheeler Model of Curriculum in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Tyler vs Wheeler Model of Curriculum

What is Tyler Model of Curriculum?

Tyler model was developed by Ralph Tyler in the 1940s. This model is developed as a linear model that consists of objectives, selection of learning experience, organization of learning experience, and evaluation.

Tyler model of curriculum provides interactive learning activities for students. It gives students a chance for social interaction as well as emotional development. Through this model of curriculum, students get the opportunity to explore their own interests. Similarly, the Tyler model is considered a formal approach to teaching, and it basically focuses on the active engagement of students rather than passive interaction in the activities.

What is the Wheeler Model of Curriculum?

Wheeler model of curriculum was developed by the educationist D.K Wheeler. This model was developed as a cyclical model, and it consists of five steps. This model can be identified as an improvement upon the model introduced by Ralph Tyler. The five concepts on this model are aims, goals, and objectives, selection of learning experiences, selection of content, organization and integration of experiences, and evaluation.

As this model suggests, students are motivated by opportunities provided, and it directs the development of skills. By using this model in the teaching and learning process, teachers allow students to identify their own interests and skills. At the same time, it provides opportunities for students to improve their interests. This model proposes students are motivated by opportunities provided to explore their particular interests. By exploring the interests of students, this model allows students to work on fields they are interested in. In addition to offering opportunities for students to explore their own interests, it also provides teacher guidance for the students when necessary. Teacher instruction and involvement are also significant in required situations.

What is the Difference Between Tyler and Wheeler Model of Curriculum?

Both, the Tyler model and Wheeler model are adapted in curriculum development. The key difference between Tyler model and Wheeler model of curriculum is that the Tyler model is a linear model that consists of four concepts, whereas the Wheeler model is a curriculum model that consists of five concepts. The Tyler model was developed by Ralph Tyler, the Wheeler model was developed by D.K Wheeler.

Moreover, the Tyler model basically focuses on offering freedom for students to select what they learn, while the Wheeler model focuses on motivating students about opportunities provided for them for learning. Active engagement and interaction of the students are encouraged by theories of the Tyler model, whereas the Wheeler model provides opportunities for learners to discover their own interests and to develop them. However, the Wheeler model requires teacher engagement where necessary.

The following table summarizes the difference between Tyler and Wheeler model of curriculum.

Summary – Tyler vs Wheeler Model of Curriculum

The key difference between Tyler and Wheeler model of curriculum is that the Tyler model fundamentally comprises four concepts, and it is a linear model adapted in curriculum development, whereas the Wheeler model comprises five theories, and this model was developed as a cyclical model.

Reference:

1. “Tyler’s Model of Curriculum Evaluation.” UK Essays.

1. “Student in Class (3618969705)” By Tulane Public Relations – Student in ClassUploaded by AlbertHerring (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia