21st-Century Skills Curriculum Quiz

Curriculum Definition

• Etymologically, "curriculum" is derived from the Latin word "currere," meaning "to run" or "to proceed." The Latin word also means "a race" or "the course of a race." In education, the "race" is education, and the curriculum is the course of study.

• Curriculum can be defined from two perspectives: prescriptive and descriptive.

• A prescriptive view defines the curriculum as a planned set of experiences designed to achieve educational goals. Examples:

• Bobbitt (1918) defines curriculum as the entire range of experiences, both directed and undirected, involved in developing individual abilities.

• Tyler (1957) defines curriculum as all planned learning experiences directed by the school to attain educational goals.

• The Indiana Department of Education (2010) defines curriculum as the planned interaction of pupils with instructional content, materials, resources, and processes to assess the attainment of educational objectives. Prescriptive definitions often take the form of a plan, program, or expert opinion.

• A descriptive view of curriculum goes beyond what should happen and describes what does happen in classrooms. Examples:

• Caswell and Campbell (1935) define curriculum as all experiences children have under teacher guidance.

• Ragan (1960) defines curriculum as all child experiences for which the school accepts responsibility.

• Silva (2010) emphasizes what students can do with knowledge, not just what knowledge they have.

Components of Curriculum

• Curriculum development generally involves objectives, content, methods, and evaluation. These elements are often seen in major components of an educational program, such as:
• Philosophy statement
• Objectives, aims, and goals
• Subject matter or content
• Learning experiences
• Instructional strategies and methods
• Program assessment
• Program duration

Types of Curriculum

• Subject-based/oriented: Focuses on specific subjects.
• Core curriculum: Essential subjects.
• Hidden curriculum: Implicit lessons learned through school culture.
• Official curriculum: Officially planned curriculum.
• Unofficial curriculum: Unofficial, unstated curriculum.
• Objective-based curriculum: Focuses on learning outcomes.
• Standard-based curriculum: Sets learning standards.
• Experience-based curriculum: Emphasizes hands-on learning.
• Competence-based curriculum: Focuses on demonstrating skills.

Syllabus

• Etymology: Syllabus, from Greek, means "a summary" or "a table of contents."
• Definition: A document that outlines topics and expectations for a particular subject or course of study. It is typically more specific and narrower in scope than a curriculum.
• Use: A practical guide to teachers and learners.

Curriculum vs Syllabus

• Curriculum: Broader, encompassing the entire program of study. Focuses on holistic student development.
• Syllabus: Narrower, outlining the specifics of a particular course or subject. Focuses on covering the planned content.

Curriculum Development Body/Institution

• Curriculum is developed by the school, or a body appointed by the government.
• Syllabus is often designed by a board or a government body.

Curriculum Term/Duration

• Syllabus is usually for a specific term or period of study.
• Curriculum lasts for the entire duration of the course or program.

Curriculum Uniformity

• Syllabus varies by subject and teacher.
• Curriculum is uniform across the entire institution.

Curriculum Structure and Content

• Curriculum is characterized by both structure and content.
• Structure outlines the various stages of the curriculum, like elementary ,middle school or high school years.
• Content specifies the subjects and activities taught in each stage.

Curriculum Outcomes

• Curriculum outcomes include subject matter, teaching strategies, learner experience and assessment.

Curriculum Assessment and Evaluation

• Assessment involves gathering information for decision-making.
• Different assessment procedures apply to each phase/level.
• Formal and informal assessments are used to evaluate learners' progress.
• Specific objectives in a standard-based curriculum will guide assessment.