According to Tyler's curriculum development model, what is the first step in curriculum planning?

Appeared in: AIIMS M.Sc. Nsg Entrance exam-2026

Explanation

In Ralph Tyler's influential model, the first step is always to determine the educational objectives.
These objectives are the foundation of the curriculum and guide all subsequent steps.
Objectives are derived from three sources: the learner, contemporary life (society), and the subject matter.
This step answers the fundamental question: 'What educational purposes should the school seek to attain?'.

Option A: Organizing learning experiences is the third step in Tyler's model, not the first. It deals with sequencing and structuring the selected experiences for maximum effect.
Option B: Evaluating learning outcomes is the fourth and final step in the model. It is concerned with assessing whether the initial objectives have been achieved.
Option D: Identifying or selecting learning experiences is the second step in Tyler's model. This step can only occur after the objectives have been clearly defined.

Visual 1: Flowchart - A simple linear flowchart showing the four steps of Tyler's model in sequence: 1. Objectives -> 2. Selection of Experiences -> 3. Organization of Experiences -> 4. Evaluation. This visual would clearly illustrate the model's linear nature.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Tyler's Curriculum Development Model as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurse educators use Tyler's model to design and structure nursing curricula, ensuring that courses and clinical practice are aligned with specific learning goals.
For example, when developing a course on critical care, the first step is to define the objectives: what competencies (e.g., managing ventilators, interpreting ECGs) should a student possess upon completion?
This structured approach helps ensure that nursing education programs produce graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet professional standards and patient care needs.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question about a specific educational theory.
First, identify the key concept in the question: 'Tyler's curriculum development model' and the specific part being asked about: the 'first step'.
Recall the four sequential steps of Tyler's model: 1. Objectives, 2. Selection of experiences, 3. Organization of experiences, 4. Evaluation.
Compare this sequence to the given options.
The option 'Determining educational objectives' directly matches the first step of the model.
Eliminate the other options by identifying their correct placement in the sequence (steps 2, 3, and 4).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Tyler's Curriculum Development Model
Stem keywords: Tyler's curriculum development model, curriculum planning, first step
Lead-in keywords: what is the first step

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