The Concept of Curriculum
The Concept of Curriculum
The word curriculum has been derived from Latin word “Currere” which means race
course.
Hence etymologically curriculum means distance/path or way to be covered.
The term “curriculum” refers to the lesson and academic content taught in a school or in
a specific course or program.
Pratt (1980) defines curriculum as a written document that systematically describes
goals planned, objectives, content, learning activities, evaluation procedures and so
forth.
In Education, a curriculum is broadly defined as the totality of student experiences that
occur in the educational process.
A curriculum is considered the “heart” of any learning institution which means that
schools or universities cannot exist without a curriculum.
CONCEPT CURRICULUM
refers to the overall scope and sequence of educational content and learning
experiences designed for a specific course, program, or educational institution. It
encompasses what students are expected to learn, the methods and materials used for
teaching and assessment, and the broader goals and outcome of education.
5. ALIGNMENT
CURRICULUM PERSPECTIVES
Curriculum perspectives refer to the different approaches and viewpoints on how curriculum
should be designed, implemented, and evaluated. Understanding these perspectives can help
educators create a more comprehensive and effective curriculum.
1. Traditional Perspective
2. Constructivist Perspective
6. Postmodern Perspective
7. Ecological Perspective
8. Feminist Perspective
ELEMENTS OF CURRICULUM
The curriculum consists of several fundamental elements that work together to create a
comprehensive educational framework:
1. Objectives or Goals
Definition: The intended learning outcomes that the curriculum aims to achieve.
Characteristics: Objectives should be clear, specific, measurable, and aligned with
educational standards. They guide the planning and implementation of instructional
activities.
Example: Students will be able to solve quadratic equations by the end of the unit.
2. Content
Definition: The subject matter or knowledge that students are expected to learn.
Characteristics: Includes facts, concepts, principles, theories, and skills relevant to the
subject. It should be organized logically and progressively to build upon previous
knowledge.
Example: Topics in a history curriculum might include major events, figures, and
movements from ancient civilizations to modern times.
3. Learning Experiences
4. Assessment
Definition: The methods and tools used to evaluate student learning and the
effectiveness of the curriculum.
Characteristics: Can be formative (ongoing, to inform instruction) or summative (at the
end of a unit or course, to measure achievement). Includes tests, quizzes, assignments,
presentations, and portfolios.
Example: A math test to evaluate students' understanding of algebraic concepts.
Definition: The tools and materials used to support teaching and learning.
Characteristics: Includes textbooks, workbooks, digital tools, multimedia, lab equipment,
and other instructional materials. Should be appropriate for the content and accessible to
all students.
Example: A language arts curriculum might use novels, grammar workbooks, online
writing tools, and audiovisual materials to enhance learning.
6. Evaluation
Definition: The process of reviewing and assessing the effectiveness of the curriculum
as a whole.
Characteristics: Involves collecting data on student performance, feedback from
teachers and students, and analyzing whether the curriculum meets its goals and
objectives. May lead to curriculum revisions and improvements.
Example: Conducting surveys, analyzing test scores, and holding focus groups to gather
insights on how well the curriculum supports student learning and engagement.
IMPLICATIONS
An effective curriculum is more than just a list of topics; it is a dynamic blueprint that integrates
clear objectives, engaging content, diverse learning experiences, and meaningful assessments.
Through various perspectives, we can craft curricula that not only impart knowledge but also
inspire critical thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
REFERENCES
https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/
file:///C:/Users/Admin/Downloads/IJCRT2208164.pdf
https://link.springer.com/journal/41297
https://acsa.edu.au/curriculum-perspective-journal/
https://educarepk.com/elements-of-curriculum.html
https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/5-elements-of-a-relevant-curriculum