Curriculum Basics: Lesson 1.1

Curriculum Overview

• Curriculum is a dynamic component of education, interpreted variously by experts.
• Essential for teachers to understand as it impacts every educational system.

Learning Outcomes

• Ability to discuss the nature and importance of curriculum.
• Definition of curriculum from both traditional and progressive perspectives.
• Differentiation among various types of curriculum.

Definition and Importance of Curriculum

• Originates from Latin "currere" meaning "to run" or "to run a course."
• Represents a comprehensive, content-rich course of study approved for schools.
• Encompasses planned learning outcomes, subjects, materials, and assessment methods.
• Fundamental to the existence of educational systems and guides teachers in their instruction.
• Directly influences student achievement and the acquisition of knowledge, values, and skills.

Purpose of Curriculum

• Aims to enable students to develop knowledge and skills for productive lives.
• Focuses on nurturing successful learners, responsible individuals, and active societal contributors.
• Quality of curriculum assessed by the learning outcomes achieved by students.

Types of Curriculum

• Intended (Official) Curriculum:

  • Formulated by national agencies, professional organizations, and international bodies.

• Written Curriculum:

  • Includes formal instructional documents like syllabi and lesson plans.

• Taught (Implemented) Curriculum:

  • Encompasses classroom activities carried out to meet learning outcomes.

• Supported Curriculum:

  • Refers to resources that aid in the implementation, such as textbooks and school facilities.

• Assessed (Tested) Curriculum:

  • Involves evaluation methods to assess student learning throughout and at the end of instruction.

• Learned (Received) Curriculum:

  • Reflects the actual learning outcomes attained by students, influencing behavior and understanding.

• Entitlement Curriculum:

  • Represents societal expectations on what learners should acquire from education.

Teacher's Roles in Curriculum

• Writer:

  • Creating educational materials such as textbooks and modules.

• Planner:

  • Developing lesson plans and schedules for effective implementation.

• Initiator:

  • Opening avenues for implementing recommended curriculum changes.

• Innovator:

  • Staying creatively engaged with current trends and curriculum advancements.

• Implementor:

  • Actively guiding and facilitating student learning experiences.

• Evaluator:

  • Assessing the effectiveness of the curriculum and making necessary adjustments.

Reflection

• All seven roles teachers play in relation to curriculum are crucial and cannot be overlooked.
• Teaching is a multifaceted profession that requires versatility and adaptability in curriculum implementation.