Cyclical curriculum development models have become an essential topic in education because they emphasize constant improvement rather than a one-time planning process. Many teachers and curriculum designers appreciate these models because they provide a structured yet flexible approach to developing learning experiences. Instead of viewing curriculum as a fixed document, the cyclical model treats it as a living system that must adapt to student needs, societal change, and professional feedback. Understanding how these models work helps educators create more relevant and effective learning programs. Reviewing the cyclical curriculum development models also allows schools to improve curriculum quality over time.
Defining Cyclical Curriculum Development Models
Cyclical curriculum development models refer to frameworks in which curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation occur in a repeating cycle. Rather than ending once a curriculum is written, the process loops back to revision and improvement. This approach encourages ongoing reflection and adaptation, ensuring that curriculum remains meaningful and responsive to real classroom contexts.
Main Characteristics
These models usually include several common features
- A continuous cycle of planning, implementation, and evaluation
- Feedback from teachers, students, and stakeholders
- Flexibility to adjust curriculum based on results
- Emphasis on improvement rather than perfection
The cyclical nature allows curriculum developers to respond to new research, changing student demographics, and evolving educational standards.
Why Cyclical Models Are Important
Traditional curriculum development models often follow a linear format. Once the design stage is finished, educators move directly into teaching without revisiting previous steps. This can result in outdated or ineffective curriculum that does not address current needs. In contrast, cyclical curriculum development models acknowledge that teaching environments change constantly.
Benefits for Educators
Educators benefit from cyclical curriculum development models because they provide opportunities to revisit instructional goals. When teachers are able to reflect on what worked and what did not, they can make informed decisions about future improvements. This supports professional growth and encourages collaboration among staff members.
Benefits for Students
Students also gain advantages when curriculum is updated regularly. Learning materials become more relevant, engaging, and aligned with current skills and knowledge requirements. A well-reviewed curriculum helps ensure that students receive full educational value and achieve better learning outcomes.
Review of Key Cyclical Models
Different curriculum theorists have proposed their own versions of cyclical curriculum development models. Although each model has unique elements, all share the concept of ongoing review and refinement.
Tyler’s Model Adaptations
While Ralph Tyler originally proposed a more linear curriculum development process, many educators have adapted his work into a cyclical form. In these adaptations, the evaluation stage leads back to goal-setting and restructuring. This creates a feedback loop that supports continuous improvement.
Wheeler’s Model
Wheeler expanded on Tyler’s ideas by formally presenting curriculum development as a cycle. His model includes five key steps
- Goals and aims
- Content selection
- Learning experiences
- Organization of content and experiences
- Evaluation
Evaluation in Wheeler’s model directly affects the next round of curriculum planning, making it clearly cyclical.
Kerr’s Model
J. F. Kerr introduced another cyclical approach in which curriculum components interact continuously. Rather than following a strict sequence, objectives, content, learning experiences, and evaluation influence one another dynamically. This model highlights the complexity of real-world curriculum development.
How the Cycle Works in Practice
In many schools, reviewing the cyclical curriculum development models involves looking at how they function in daily teaching. Although the theoretical cycle seems simple, practical implementation requires time, communication, and commitment.
Planning
The planning stage includes identifying student needs, defining learning outcomes, and selecting content. Teachers and curriculum designers collaborate to determine what students should learn and how best to deliver instruction.
Implementation
During implementation, teachers apply the curriculum in the classroom. They experiment with lesson strategies, assessment methods, and learning activities. This phase produces valuable information about what works and what needs adjustment.
Evaluation and Feedback
Evaluation is one of the most important elements in cyclical models. It provides data about the effectiveness of the curriculum. Feedback may come from assessments, classroom observations, student input, or community expectations.
Revision
After analyzing feedback, educators revise the curriculum. Revisions may be small changes to lesson plans or major redesigns of course structure. Once revisions are complete, the cycle begins again.
Challenges in Using Cyclical Models
Although cyclical curriculum development models offer many benefits, they also present challenges. Educators may struggle with limited time or resources. Reviewing and revising curriculum requires effort, planning, and sometimes financial support.
Common Obstacles
- Lack of training in curriculum design
- Resistance to change
- Insufficient collaboration among teachers
- Limited access to updated materials
- Administrative barriers
These challenges can slow the cycle or prevent schools from fully realizing its potential.
Improving the Review Process
To effectively review cyclical curriculum development models, schools can adopt supportive strategies that encourage participation and ongoing improvement.
Collaboration
When teachers work together, they share successful practices and problem-solving strategies. Collaboration strengthens the review process and helps ensure revisions actually improve learning.
Professional Development
Training programs can help educators understand how to design and evaluate curriculum. Professional development supports confidence and reduces resistance to change.
Student Voice
Including student feedback helps align curriculum with learner needs. Students provide unique insights into engagement and understanding, making their input valuable.
Long-Term Impact
Reviewing cyclical curriculum development models supports a culture of continuous improvement. Schools that apply these models effectively often experience better student performance, higher teacher satisfaction, and stronger educational outcomes. Over time, the cycle becomes part of the school’s identity.
Sustainable Curriculum Growth
Because the process repeats, curriculum becomes stronger with each cycle. Improvements accumulate, and weaknesses decrease. This leads to sustainable curriculum growth that adapts to future challenges.
Reviewing cyclical curriculum development models reveals their value in modern education. Their emphasis on reflection, evaluation, and revision creates opportunities for ongoing improvement. Instead of viewing curriculum as a static document, these models encourage educators to treat it as a dynamic, evolving system. By understanding the key stages and addressing challenges, schools can implement effective cycles that benefit both teachers and students. The cyclical approach supports relevance, quality, and long-term success in curriculum planning, making it an important topic for educators committed to continuous improvement.