Curriculum: Its Types & Development
Curriculum: Definition, Types & Significance
The word curriculum is derived from the Latin word "currere" which means to run or proceed forward. Its literal meaning is of a "course" or a "race course".
In educational context, the word curriculum is defined as a well structured set of educational experiences that outlines what students are expected to learn, how they will learn it, and the assessment methods used to evaluate their learning experiences.
In other words, curriculum reflects the overall formal and planned sequence of teaching and learning activities of an educational institution, including "content" (syllabus/scheme of studies) "content delivery" (pedagogical approaches/teaching techniques) and "content assessment" (formative and summative assessment)
Additionally, an effective curriculum focuses the holistic development of learners. In simple words, an effective curriculum covers all important aspects, including content, pedagogical approaches, assessment, behaviour and emotional development of students.
It serves as a guide for teachers in delivering content, setting learning objectives, and determining the methods of assessment. A well-designed curriculum is crucial for fostering effective learning environments and ensuring that educational goals are met.
At global level, the International Bureau of Education (IBE-UNESCO), managed by UNESCO sets the curriculum related goals to ensure equitable, inclusive and high quality education.
In Pakistan, National Curriculum Council (NCC) has the mandate to develop, revise and implement national curriculum at federal and provincial level.
In the context of Sindh province, Directorate of Curriculum Assessment and Research (DCAR) Sindh looks after the curriculum related policies including developing Textbooks (Syllabus/Scheme of Studies) for Primary, Secondary and Higher Secondary level.
💡What is learned, taught and assessed curriculum?
The learned, taught, and assessed curriculum refers to three interconnected components of curriculum in the context of educational practice:
Learned Curriculum: This component encompasses what students actually learn, which may differ from intended objectives. It includes the knowledge, skills, and attitudes students acquire through their educational experiences.
Taught Curriculum: This component is what teachers actually deliver in the classroom. It consists of the instructional methods, materials, and content used to facilitate learning. This can vary based on teaching styles and classroom dynamics.
Assessed Curriculum: This component involves how student learning is evaluated, including the tools and methods used for assessment, such as tests, projects, assignments, and portfolios. It reflects what is deemed important to measure in terms of student outcomes.
Understanding these components helps teachers align teaching strategies with learning goals and assessment practices, ensuring a cohesive educational experience.
🎯 Types of Curriculum
Curricula (plural of curriculum) can be categorised in various types based on their structure, focus, and delivery methods. Here are the primary types of curricula:
1. Formal Curriculum
This is the officially approved curriculum established by educational authorities (Textbook Boards/Curriculum Wings). It includes all the subjects and courses offered by a School/College/University or educational institution, complete with specific objectives, content, instructional methods, and assessment procedures.
Features:
Structured and systematic.
Includes required courses and standards.
Assessed through standardised testing.
Example: The core subjects in a high school, such as Mathematics, Science, History, and Language subjects.
2. Informal Curriculum
The informal curriculum encompasses the unintended lessons, values, and experiences that students gain outside of the formal curriculum. This can include social interactions, extra-curricular activities, and the overall School/College/University culture.
Features:
Unstructured and spontaneous.
Focuses on social and emotional learning.
Developed through student interactions and experiences.
Example: Lessons learned from participating in a School/College/University club or during break time.
3. Hidden Curriculum
The hidden curriculum refers to the implicit lessons and values taught in schools that are not part of the formal curriculum. This can include attitudes, behaviours, and norms that are conveyed through the educational environment.
Features:
Often unrecognised by teachers and students.
Influences student behaviour and social norms.
Can reinforce social inequalities.
Example: Understanding the importance of punctuality, attitude, motivation or the competitive nature of grades.
4. Null Curriculum
The null curriculum consists of content that is intentionally excluded from the formal curriculum. This absence can send implicit messages about what is deemed unimportant or inappropriate for students to learn.
Features:
Reflects societal values and biases.
Can impact students' perceptions of certain subjects.
Often highlights areas of controversy or sensitivity.
Example: The absence of certain historical events or perspectives in history classes.
5. Spiral Curriculum
In a spiral curriculum, subjects are revisited and expanded upon at increasing levels of complexity over time. This approach helps reinforce learning and allows students to build on their knowledge gradually.
Features:
Emphasises depth over breadth.
Encourages continuous engagement with core concepts.
Supports cumulative knowledge development.
Example: Teaching basic Maths concepts in early grades, then revisiting and expanding on them in later grades.
6. Integrated Curriculum
An integrated curriculum combines subjects and disciplines, allowing for a more holistic approach to learning. This method fosters connections between different areas of knowledge and promotes critical thinking.
Features:
Interdisciplinary in nature.
Encourages problem-solving and real-world applications.
Engages students in thematic units.
Example: A unit on Environmental Science that includes elements of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geography.
7. Thematic Curriculum
Thematic curriculum revolves around specific themes or topics that guide instruction across various subjects. This approach helps create a cohesive learning experience and allows students to explore a subject in depth.
Features:
Focuses on broad themes.
Encourages inquiry-based learning.
Promotes cross-disciplinary connections.
Example: A theme like "sustainability" explored through Science, Social Studies, and Arts subjects.
8. Project-Based Curriculum
In project-based learning (PBL), students engage in hands-on projects that require critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. This type of curriculum emphasises real-world applications and student agency.
Features:
Student-centred and experiential.
Encourages teamwork and communication skills.
Focuses on long-term projects that integrate multiple subjects.
Example: A project where students design a sustainable garden for the School/College/University.
9. Competency-Based Curriculum
A competency-based curriculum emphasises mastery of specific skills and knowledge rather than time spent in class. Students progress at their own pace, demonstrating competencies before moving on to more advanced topics.
Features:
Personalised learning paths.
Focuses on skills and outcomes.
Allows for flexible pacing.
Example: A system where students must demonstrate proficiency in Maths skills before advancing to the next grade level.
10. Experiential Curriculum
Experiential education emphasises learning through experience and reflection. This type of curriculum involves hands-on activities, internships, field trips, and real-world applications.
Features:
Learning by doing.
Incorporates reflection on experiences.
Enhances engagement and retention.
Example: A field trip to a Science Museum where students conduct experiments and reflect on their learning.
Conclusion
The curriculum is the most important component of education that shapes the learning experience for students.
Understanding the different types of curricula allows teachers to tailor their approaches to meet the diverse needs of learners.
By thoughtfully designing and implementing various curricula, teachers can create enriching educational environments that promote holistic development and lifelong learning among students.
✍️ By: Raja Bahar Khan Soomro
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