Understanding Curriculum Definitions

The Teacher as a Knower of Curriculum

• The school curriculum is defined, analyzed, and discussed concerning its nature and scope
• Students will define curriculum from multiple perspectives through class discussion

True or False?

• There is no single, universally accepted definition of "curriculum"
• Curriculum encompasses all learning experiences a learner has, under teacher guidance

Curriculum - From the Latin Word "currere"

• "Curriculum" originates from the Latin word "currere," meaning "racecourse" or "course to be run"
• This implies a structured path or a course of study

Curriculum - Further Explanation

• Curriculum is a complex and multifaceted concept, viewed differently by scholars across various time periods

• The concept has evolved from a simple textbook concept to a broader understanding

• In essence, for many students, curriculum resembles a race, with hurdles representing various subjects

• Curriculum should be more than just textbooks or a series of lessons

Various Definitions of Curriculum

• New International Dictionary: Curriculum is the full course of study within an educational institution or department
• Oxford English Dictionary: Curriculum comprises courses taught to students

What Accounts for the Various Definitions of "Curriculum"?

• Different perspectives and interpretations, contributing to a varied understanding of the concept of curriculum

Assignment: Definitions of Curriculum

• This section lists several individuals or teams and their proposed definitions of curriculum.

Traditional vs Progressive Curriculum Definitions

• Traditional: Emphasizes core intellectual disciplines like grammar, literature, and writing, focusing on fundamental skills (the 3Rs) in primary education, and liberal arts at higher levels.
• Progressive: Views curriculum as the sum of all learner experiences under teacher guidance, including both in-school and out-of-school activities

Further Curriculum Perspectives

• Curriculum is viewed as embracing all experiences students encounter while under the direction of teachers.

• Also, curriculum encapsulates knowledge from various academic disciplines

• Curriculum is seen as fundamentally focused on grammar, literature, and writing, expanding to encompass science, mathematics, history, and foreign languages.

• Traditional curriculum heavily emphasizes fundamental skills for basic education and expands to liberal arts in college

• Curriculum is conceived as a collection of organized knowledge.

• Curriculum is considered complex and is concerned with broad issues encompassing history, philosophy, sociology and psychology.

• A focus on core subjects like grammar, reading, rhetoric, logic and mathematics is highlighted as fundamental. Curriculum encompasses the experiences learners have in school

• Curriculum is represented by syllabus, course documents, textbooks, and other learning materials containing knowledge, used to achieve specific educational goals.

• Curriculum is a comprehensive learning experience, comprising everything a student learns.

Bilbao's Summary of Curriculum

• Curriculum can be viewed as a set of subjects, content, program of studies and materials, providing the order and objectives for what is taught in schools.
• It includes activities both inside and outside of school, reflecting teacher-guided learning experiences and student responses.

Explore the multifaceted concept of curriculum through various perspectives. This quiz will challenge your understanding of its definitions, origins, and evolution over time. Engage with thought-provoking statements and classify the curriculum's role in education.