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The Teacher and the Curriculum

Jul 13, 2024

The Teacher and the Curriculum

Understanding the Curriculum

Definitions of Curriculum in Different Contexts

  1. Curriculum as a List of Subjects

    • Traditional subjects offered in schools (e.g., Mathematics, Language, Science, Music, Arts).
  2. Curriculum as Learning Experiences

    • Includes students' curricular and co-curricular activities inside and outside the school.
  3. Curriculum as Intended Learning Outcomes (Objectives)

    • Objectives that teachers want students to attain.
    • Includes standards and competencies for each topic or lesson.
  4. Curriculum as Planned Learning Experiences

    • Specifies contents, objectives, and general ideas for what students should know.
    • Includes documents like curriculum guides (basic education) and syllabi (tertiary education).
  5. Curriculum as a Discipline

    • Involves principles, theories, and practices of a particular subject area.
    • Contextual definitions vary by educational entity.
  6. Curriculum as Content or Subject Matter

    • Series of topics under each subject area with intended outcomes and competencies.
    • Emphasizes alignment and verticalization from objectives to assessment tasks.

Types of Curriculum

  1. Ideal or Recommended Curriculum

    • Proposed by scholars as the most appropriate for learners.
    • Addresses current societal needs and includes innovations.
  2. Intended Official or Written Curriculum

    • Official curriculum approved by the state (e.g., K-12 curriculum, CHED memorandum orders).
    • Prescribed and has legal basis.
  3. Implemented Curriculum

    • Actual implementation by teachers.
    • Should follow the intended curriculum but may vary in practice.
  4. Achieved Curriculum

    • What students actually learn and the outcomes achieved.
    • Evaluates whether curriculum goals are met.
  5. Tested Curriculum

    • Curriculum assessed through tests and evaluations.
    • Important for quantifying student learning.
  6. Entitlement Curriculum

    • Belief that students should expect to learn certain things to become good society members.
  7. Supported Curriculum

    • Shaped by the resources allocated to it and support from stakeholders.
  8. Null or Censored Curriculum

    • Content that must not be taught to students (e.g., debates around including sex education).
  9. Hidden Curriculum

    • Skills and attitudes learned unconsciously through interactions with peers and teachers.

Curriculum Foundations

  1. Psychology

    • Study of learners and learning theories to deal effectively with students.
  2. Sociology and Anthropology

    • Sociology: Study of society and human collective behavior.
    • Anthropology: Study of human development and culture.
  3. Philosophy

    • Nature and value of knowledge, pursuit of wisdom.

Curriculum Conceptions

  1. Academic Rationalist

    • Importance of different bodies of knowledge (disciplines or subject areas).
  2. Cognitive Processes Curriculum

    • Seeks to develop cognitive skills applicable to intellectual problems.
  3. Humanistic Curriculum

    • Focuses on developing the full potential of students and their unique identities.
  4. Social Reconstructionist

    • Views schooling as an agency for social change, addressing societal needs.
  5. Technological Curriculum

    • Analyzes educational activities and components through technology.
  6. Eclectic Curriculum

    • Mixture of different curriculum conceptions.

Elements of a Curriculum

  1. Intent

    • Curriculum goals and intended learning outcomes.
  2. Content

    • Topics and subjects included.
  3. Learning Experiences

    • Teaching and learning activities.
  4. Evaluation

    • Methods to assess whether students have achieved the learning outcomes.

Conclusion

  • Curriculum acts as a roadmap guiding educators in achieving educational goals.
  • Should always be aligned and reflective of societal needs and advancements.

Quote: "Curriculum is the roadmap that guides the educators in sending the students to their fascinating destinations."