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."