CHAPTER 1.

THE NATURE OF THE CURRICULUM

MODULE 1 – TYPES OF CURRICULUM

Introduction
This part explores significant pieces of literature and theories that will
help curriculum workers, teachers, and students to understand basic
concepts like curriculum and types of curriculum to have a clear
understanding of what curriculum is, and helps scholars and students in
understanding the curriculum as a dynamic field in education.
Learning Outcomes
In this module, the students should be able to:
1. Discuss the different curricula that exist in the schools
2. Draw out their own definition of curriculum
3. Interview teachers regarding the curriculum present in the
classroom.
Learning Content
Curriculum encompasses various definitions depending on how it is
used and perceived. Perceptions of this term may vary, but it must be
recognized that curriculum encompasses more than just a single definition.
However, Allan Glatthorn described several types of curriculum operating in
the school system.
I. Recommended Curriculum
This type of curriculum emphasizes the “oughtness” of the
concepts and skills that need to be stressed. Most of the school
curricula are recommended by recognized agencies, professional
organizations, and scholars that have a stake in education like DEPED,
CHED, and DOST through suggesting policies, recommending
contents and sequence of a field of study, and formulating goals of the
education sector in general.
II. Written Curriculum
Written curriculum is considered to be more concrete,
comprehensive, and specific than the recommended curriculum. This
type of curriculum includes various documents that are handed down to
the schools for implementation of the recommended curriculum.
The written curriculum includes syllabi, modules, books, lesson
plans and many more.
III. Taught Curriculum
When the written curriculum is implemented and being taught, it
is called the taught curriculum. This curriculum stresses the plans
which are put into actions in the classroom.
 IV. Supported Curriculum
To have successful teaching and meaningful learning, it should
be supported by materials. Supported curriculum evolves on the idea of
supporting the teaching and learning process through print & non-
print materials which include books, charts, movies, PowerPoint
presentation, models, mock-ups, realias, electronic illustrations and
more and facilities like audio-visual room, speech laboratory, and
science laboratory.
V. Assessed Curriculum
At the end of the teaching-learning process, to find out the
extent and success of teaching and the progress of learning, a series
of evaluations are conducted. Assessed curriculum includes pen-paper
tests and performance tests.
VI. Learned Curriculum
Through the above mentioned curricula, learned curriculum is
the bottom line – it boils down the learning outcomes achieved by the
students. This curriculum denotes the changes in values, perception,
and behaviour of students as a result of school experiences.
VII. Hidden Curriculum
This is the unintended curriculum which is not deliberately
planned but has impacts on the behaviour of the students. Peer and
parental pressure, fear, physical condition of the surrounding, and
moods of the teachers are some of the factors that create the hidden
curriculum.
It must be clear that in every classroom, not all these curricula exist
simultaneously. Many of these are deliberately planned like the
recommended, written, taught, supported, assessed, and learned curricula.
But a hidden curriculum is implied and may appear at any moment inside the
classroom and a teacher may or may not predict its possible influence in
learning. It is an everyday challenge to a teacher as a curricularist to provide a
smooth and a conducive learning of his/her students to achieve learning
despite the existence of the hidden curriculum.

Teaching & Learning Activities

Activity I. Glatthorn has identified seven types of curriculum operating in the
school system. In relation to this, identify the characteristics and importance of
these based on your understanding.
Write your answer on the table below.
CURRICULUM CHARACTERISTICS IMPORTANCE
Recommended
Written

Taught

Supported

Assessed

Learned

Hidden

Activity II. Cite a definition of curriculum from any of the experts, draw your
own definition of it based on the cited example, and try to find a situation in a
real classroom setting where you can fit the drawn definition of curriculum.

EXPERT PERSONAL
Activity III. Among the types of curriculum identified by Glatthorn, which of
these is given the least attention to based on your experience as a student
and based on an experience of a teacher – interview a teacher for this. Figure
out the reasons and the effects of this.
:_____________________
Reasons Effects
Student

Teacher

Activity IV. The types of curriculum identified by Glatthorn are all equally
important. But in this activity, try to rank them according to what should be
given the most attention to and explain your answer.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Recommended Learning Materials & Resources For Supplementary

Reading
Try to visit this link http://dirp3.pids.gov.ph/ris/pdf/pidspn0020.PDF for the
further explanation of trifocalization of the educational structure in the
Philippines.
Read Allan Glatthorn’s Curriculum renewal in this site
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED278127.pdf

Flexible Teaching Learning Modality (Ftlm) Adopted

Assessment Task
1. Explain the statement “In the heart of all types of curricula, the
teacher has a major role.”
2. As a teacher, how will you address the hidden curriculum inside the
classroom to prevent or to lessen its existence?
3. Does the taught curriculum solely and directly affect the learned
curriculum? How?

References
Villena, V., Reyes E., & Dizon, E. 2015. Curriculum Development.
Adriana Publishing Co., Inc.
Bilbao, P., Dayagbil, F., & Corpuz, B. (2015). Curriculum Development
for Teachers, Lorimar Publishing Inc.
Bilbao, p., Dayagbil, F., & Corpuz, B. 2000. Curriculum Development for
Teachers.
http://dirp3.pids.gov.ph/ris/pdf/pidspn0020.PDF
Pawilen, G. (2015), Curriculum Development: A guide for teachers and
Students, REX Bookstore.
Reyes, E. & Dizon, E. (2015). Curriculum Development, Adriana
Publishing Co., Inc.