Curriculum Development Principles: Directorate of Adult Education (1979)

The question asks us to identify the principles of curriculum development suggested by the Directorate of Adult Education (DAE) in 1979. Understanding these principles is key to designing effective adult learning programs.

Analyzing the Proposed Principles

Let's examine each principle mentioned:

• A. Relevance: This principle emphasizes that the curriculum content and learning experiences must be directly related to the needs, interests, and context of the adult learners. For adult education, ensuring relevance is crucial for motivation and practical application. The DAE likely supported this principle.
• B. Instruction based: While curriculum guides instruction, labelling a curriculum principle simply as 'instruction based' is quite broad. Effective curriculum development goes beyond just focusing on the act of instruction itself and considers goals, content, methods, and evaluation comprehensively. It's less likely to be a distinct principle highlighted by the DAE compared to others.
• C. Appropriateness of learning relationships: This principle focuses on the nature of the interaction between the learner, the instructor, and the learning material. It suggests that the methods and environment should foster positive and effective learning relationships suitable for adults. This aligns with adult learning theories and was likely a key consideration for the DAE.
• D. Action-oriented: Adult learners often seek knowledge and skills that they can apply directly to their lives, work, or communities. An action-oriented approach means the curriculum should facilitate practical application, problem-solving, and tangible outcomes. This is a hallmark of effective adult education and was probably a core principle for the DAE.
• E. Static: A static curriculum does not change or adapt over time. In contrast, curriculum development should be a dynamic process, responsive to feedback, changing needs, and new knowledge. An adult education curriculum, especially, needs to be flexible. Therefore, 'static' is unlikely to be a suggested principle.

Conclusion on DAE Principles

Based on the analysis, the principles most strongly associated with effective adult curriculum development, and thus likely suggested by the Directorate of Adult Education in 1979, are:

• A. Relevance
• C. Appropriateness of learning relationships
• D. Action-oriented

These three principles capture the essence of designing adult education programs that are meaningful, engaging, and effective for the learners.