A Study On John P.miller's Theory Of Holistic Curriculum

Holistic education is the further development of humanism education in the 1980 s.It is not only has the romantic flavor of pursuing perfect ideals,but also an educational ideal with profound connotation and significant influence.Professor John Miller of the University of Toronto in Canada is an important representative of the holistic education.He focused on the curriculum research under the holistic education concept and constructed a holistic curriculum idea aimed at cultivating “whole child”.This research in accordance with the thinking of “How does Miller's holistic curriculum theory come into——What is Miller's holistic curriculum theory——What does Miller's holistic curriculum theory bring to China's curriculum research and practice”.The core theme is the connotation analysis of Miller's holistic curriculum theory and its enlightenment to the development of curriculum theory and curriculum reform practice in China.On the question of how does Miller's curriculum theory come into,this research explores the background and origin of Miller's curriculum theory from a historical perspective,as well as the philosophical,psychological,and sociological foundations of his curriculum theory.The connotation analysis of the Miller's curriculum theory is mainly discussed from the aspects of its basic purpose,connotation characteristics,connected thinking,practice style,organic accountability and dynamic transformation.The basic purpose of Miller's curriculum theory is to cultivate a whole-child,enlighten love and wisdom,form a sense of awe and wonder,and finally gain a sense of meaning in life.Miller's holistic curriculum theory shows the connotation characteristics of overall balance,multiple tolerance and interaction.Relevant thinking is the core of Miller's curriculum design.It mainly includes linear thinking and intuitive thinking,body and mind,self and soul,interdisciplinary,individual and group,and human and earth connections.This paper also explains how to realize these six pairs of connections.Miller's curriculum thinking has strong practical care.The implementation of the holistic curriculum requires compassionate and sincere holistic teachers.Holistic learning is the teaching proposition of the holistic curriculum.Equinox Holistic Alternative School is a portrait of holistic school.Miller advocates the establishment of an organic accountability that conforms to the laws of nature and upholds a dynamic concept of change.Adhering to the value-neutral point of view,this research reviews the theoretical contribution,practical thinking and further development of Miller's holistic curriculum theory is to better show it.In terms of theory,Miller advocates balancing theoretical orientation and building relationship curriculum;and paying attention to the love and wisdom of teachers and students and pursuing the meaning of life.On the practical side,Miller's advocacy for holistic teachers,teacher engagement in change,and organic accountability has its own insights.The implementation of the holistic curriculum requires teachers to grasp the necessary tension and promote the organic coordination of curriculum elements,which is more difficult;although Miller's holistic curriculum strives to integrate with the public education system,the current impact is relatively weak.These are the directions that Miller's holistic curriculum still needs to be further developed.Finally,the enlightenment from Miller's holistic curriculum theory is that education should pay attention to the “spirituality” of students and the “presence” of teachers,and pay attention to the value orientation in curriculum reform,as well as the relational thinking in curriculum design,promote the innovation of evaluation standards and methods,especially to carry out theoretical research on localized curriculum in China.