Introduction To Curriculum

 Introduction to Curriculum

Content

•     Etymology of Curriculum
•     Meaning of Curriculum

o  Narrow meaning

o  Broader meaning

•     Definitions of Curriculum
•     Nature of Curriculum

Etymology of Curriculum

The word curriculum has been derived from Latin word “currere” meaning “to run the course”.

Therefore, the literal meaning of curriculum is understood as a course of study and activities, allowing the student to follow it until s/he is finished with the course.

Meaning of Curriculum

Curriculum refers to all the content and learning experiences designed systematically for the holistic development of students and achievement of educational objectives.

Curriculum is a means to achieve the aims and objectives of education, which are dynamic and go on changing with the changing social requirement.

Curriculum is the crux of whole educational process. Without curriculum, any educational endeavor cannot be achieved.

Narrow meaning of Curriculum

Narrow meaning of curriculum reflects the traditional point of view about curriculum.

Curriculum in a narrow sense is seen as a plan, program, or course of study that has to be followed to bring about learning.

It merely specifies what topics must be understood by learners and to what extent to achieve a particular grade or standard.

McNeil (1995) describes the curriculum as “a course of study to be taught to students in an educational institution.”

Thus, the narrow meaning of curriculum, limits the curriculum to academic work in form of course to be taught.

Broad meaning of Curriculum

Broad meaning of curriculum reflects the progressive point of view about curriculum.

According to Secondary Education Commission (1952-53),

“Curriculum does not mean only the academic subjects traditionally taught in schools, but includes the totality of experiences that pupil receives through manifold activities that go on in the classroom, library, laboratory, workshop, playground, and in numerous informal contacts between teachers and pupils.”

“It is more than textbooks, subject matter and course of study.”

“Curriculum, in fact, is a means with which children adjust themselves to their environment. The acknowledgement of the fact that experience is the best teacher, has given a new approach to curriculum.”

 

Definitions of Curriculum

According to Cunningham,

“Curriculum is a tool in the hands of artist (teacher) to mold his material (pupil) according to his ideas (aims and objectives) in his school (studio).”

According to Frobel,

“Curriculum should be conceived as the epitome of the rounded whole of the knowledge and experience of human race.”

According to Crow and Crow,

“The curriculum includes all the learner’s experience in or outside the school that are included in the program which has been devised to help him develop mentally, emotionally, socially, spiritually and morally.”

According to Morroe,

“Curriculum includes all those activities which are utilized by the school to attain the aims of education.”

 

 Nature of Curriculum

Curriculum refers to all the content and learning experiences designed systematically for the holistic development of students and achievement of educational objectives.

Following are the points that accurately depict the nature of curriculum:

1. Purposeful Activity:

Curriculum is a purposeful activity which helps to attain desirable learning outcomes as according to the aims and objectives of education.

2. Dynamic Process:

Curriculum is a dynamic process as it is constantly in a process of evolution. It changes according to the changes (a) in student’s need; (b) in society; and (c) in educational aims and objectives.

3. Curriculum is child centered:

Curriculum upholds the psychological principles as it caters to the needs, requirement, age, interest, learning styles and mental abilities of children in teaching learning process.

4. Curriculum is developed by qualified and experienced professionals of various fields of education.

5. Curriculum is organized and structured:

Effective curriculum is carefully and systematically documented with the clear structure and procedure to convey consistent message about teaching, learning and assessment.

6. Curriculum is objective oriented:

Curriculum is objective oriented as it is developed keeping in view all objectives i.e. philosophical, psychological, sociological, scientific and educational objectives.

7. Curriculum is creativity oriented:

Curriculum provides both teachers and students, opportunities to develop creative and innovative thinking and skills through various activities and experiences.

8. Curriculum is society and community centric:

Curriculum is developed keeping in view the needs, beliefs, values and structure of society and community.