Curriculum Definitions and Types

Definitions of Curriculum

• Curriculum is a dynamic field in education encompassing various interpretations and definitions.
• Over 1,100 books on curriculum exist, showcasing diverse characterizations and definitions by various scholars.
• Key definitions include curriculum as a list of subjects, learning experiences, intended learning outcomes, planned learning experiences, a discipline, and content or subject matter.

Types of Curriculum

• Ideal or Recommended Curriculum: Proposed by scholars, reflecting the most appropriate content for learners. Influenced by professional associations and societal trends.
• Intended, Official, or Written Curriculum: Represents the officially sanctioned curriculum defined by government agencies, such as DepEd, CHED, and TESDA in the Philippines.

Curriculum Foundations

• Psychology: Offers insights into educational objectives, student characteristics, learning processes, teaching methods, and evaluation procedures.
• Sociology and Anthropology: Highlight the significance of societal and cultural knowledge in selecting curriculum content and addressing social issues.
• Philosophy: Facilitates understanding of knowledge nature, guiding decisions on worthwhile subjects and content organization.

Curriculum Conceptions

• Various curriculum conceptions exist, impacting design and development processes. Six key conceptions include:
  • Academic Rationalist: Focuses on knowledge as disciplines.
  • Cognitive Processes: Aims to develop cognitive skills applicable to various problems.
  • Humanistic: Centers on individual potential and personal interests.
  • Social Reconstructionist: Views schooling as a means for social change.
  • Technological: Focuses on systematic approaches to achieve educational goals.
  • Eclectic: Combines elements from multiple conceptions in curriculum development.

Elements of a Curriculum

• Curriculum Intent: Encompasses aims, goals, and objectives guiding curriculum development.
  • Aims: Broad statements of educational expectations.
  • Goals: More specific than aims, addressing key concepts and skills.
  • Objectives: Specific outcomes related to what students should learn.
• Learning Experiences: Activities and instructional strategies that align with curriculum intent.
• Evaluation: Tools and methods to assess whether curriculum intents and learner performance are achieved.

Reflections on Understanding Curriculum

• Familiarity with curriculum concepts enhances appreciation and effectiveness in curriculum studies, aiding curriculum workers in design and analysis of educational materials.