William Pinar's Currere Process: A Foundation for the Practical Awareness and Application of Lived Experience

• In Event: Engaging Praxis: Curriculum Studies in Classrooms and Communities

Abstract

This presentation will highlight the scholarly and theoretical contributions of William Pinar, with a particular focus on his currere process and how it has been applied in enhancing educational practice. The theoretical framework is constructed around the ways in which curriculum theory and theorists’ work is furthered and adapted through the work of other education practitioners. The perspective shared through this presentation is that Pinar’s currere process has myriad applications and is easily adapted for use with students (and educators) of all ages and educational circumstances.

First, the currere process is defined. Next, the presentation incorporates detailed explanations of the methods used to adapt the process including letter-writing, poetry, and personal sharing. The presentation also features explanations of the reasons and outcomes for those adaptations are also provided including teacher professional development, a summer program for rising ninth graders, and mentor-intern relationship development.

The presentation includes artifacts and reactions from participants that convey the meaning derived from experiencing the currere process in its original and adapted forms. Using Pinar’s currier process as a method for understanding one’s educational experience provides a powerful and significant foundation for making one’s education (whether a young student, an intern teacher, or a seasoned professional educator) more purposeful and intentional.

Author

• Leslie Palmer, Bluebird Teaching, LLC
  Presenting Author