Curriculum Development in Vocational and Technical Education: Planning, Content, and Implementation (5th Edition)

Rating:
Summary: The Only Game in Town
Review: If you are searching for something to help you understand the world of curriculum development in vocational technical education, there is really no other choice than Crunkilton and Finch's fifth edition. These authors have defined the field for over twenty years.

Curriculum development is really different in vocational technical education. The instructional delivery method often requires that substantial time expires between introducing a topic and completing its study. It may require four years before a student is fully competent in preparing dinner entrees or troubleshooting an internal combustion engine. Classroom settings are simply one of a number of different ways that career and technical educators get their points across. Hence, curriculum planning is vital in the field.

Crunkilton and Finch explore the CTE Curriculum in four sections: perspective, planning, defining content, and implementing. Sections are well thought out and explained. There are areas of weakness, owing to the publication date. As an example, such topics as national program standards and 'all aspects of the industry' are either not mentioned or given transitory treatments since they were emerging issues in the late nineties.

In summary, Curriculum Development in Vocational and Technical Education does the basics of curriculum planning very well. Like all books, its value is diminished somewhat by time, but application of additional timely references can overcome that shortcoming. I recommend it highly.

Rating:
Summary: An Excelent Investment For All Educators
Review: Of all the curriculum books I have used and examined this is by far the best book out there. In discussions with vocational educators around the world, I have found this book to be one of the most highly regarded informational sources on curriculum development. A great resource tool for all educators, a must have for vocational educators.