Psychological Influences in the Curriculum Decision Making Process

Abstract

This paper is a discussion on how psychology as a discipline influences the curriculum decision making process. Psychology provides a basis for understanding the teaching and learning process. Indeed, teaching the curriculum and learning the curriculum are interrelated and psychology cements the relationship. The argument advanced in this paper is that the curriculum decision making process cannot be undertaken effectively without adequate psychological considerations. The paper explores the psychological considerations on the basis of three broad theories of learning advanced by psychologists: Behavioral theories, cognitive and developmental theories and lastly the humanistic theories of learning.

Key words: Psychology, curriculum, teaching and learning theories