The Development and Controversy of Reconceptualization: the Importance of Reconceptualization on Curriculum Understanding Paradigm

Author: Fang-Yi Hsu(Department Of Early Childhood Caring and Education,Chung Hwa College of Medical and Technology)

Vol.&No.：Vol. 51, No.2
Date：October 2006
Pages：195-217
DOI：10.3966/2073753X2006105102009

Abstract：

“Reconceptualization” prompted by William Pinar in 1970’s is divided two dimensions: one is the macro-social structure, another is the micro-self-consciousness and individuality. The reconceptualists had doubted the “Tyler Rational” as a technological instrument, and argued that the individuality of students would be detracted from the generalizations which were emphasized by concept-empiricism. The tenet of reconceptualization has been suggested that we must insist on the relationships among individuality with history , culture and social milieu. Thus the self-reflection of the individual with the social structure is important. Three dimensions of the article are explored as follows: (1)the meaning, origins and characteristics of “reconceptualization”,(2)the importance of reconceptualization on the paradigm of “curricular understanding,”(3)the controversy about reconceptualization. Finally, the author suggests some directions for further reflection and research.

Keywords：reconceptualization, curriculum theory, curriculum understanding paradigm

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