Ask AI: Curriculum definition with references

A curriculum is a structured set of educational experiences and learning objectives designed to guide the process of teaching and learning. It typically includes a detailed plan for the content to be taught, the methods and assessments to be used, and the learning outcomes that students are expected to achieve. A curriculum can be applied to a single course, a specific grade level, or an entire educational program. Below are some key references and definitions from various sources: 1. **Tyler (1949)**: One of the seminal works in curriculum development is Ralph Tyler's "Basic Principles of Curriculum and Instruction." Tyler defines curriculum as: > “All the learning of students which is planned by and directed by the school to attain its educational goals.” 2. **Pinar (1975)**: William Pinar, known for his theories on curriculum, suggests a more personal and holistic view on curriculum, known as "currere," which examines the educational experience from a subjective and self-reflective standpoint: > “Curriculum is a complicated conversation.” 3. **Doll (1993)**: W. E. Doll, in "A Post-Modern Perspective on Curriculum," considers curriculum as: > “An ongoing process of development and evaluation that is flexible, dynamic, and responsive to the unique needs of learners.” 4. **UNESCO (2017)**: According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), curriculum refers to: > “The body of knowledge and set of experiences that are deliberately selected for delivery in schools, colleges, or educational institutions with the intent of achieving specified outcomes.” 5. **Government and Institutional Definitions**: - **Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)**: The curriculum can be understood as: > “A dynamic and evolving plan for learning that includes systematic planning and delivering of learning experiences.” - **U.S. Department of Education**: The curriculum is often described in the context of public education as: > “A prescribed course of study that is based on state standards and subject-area frameworks.” 6. **Schubert (1986)**: Curriculum theorist William H. Schubert views curriculum as a dynamic, evolving field that encompasses multiple perspectives: > “A set of subjects. It is content. It is a program of studies. It is a set of materials. It is a sequence of courses. It is a set of performance objectives.” 7. **National Curriculum Framework (India, 2005)**: The National Curriculum Framework defines the term as: > “The totality of experiences provided to children so that they can actively participate and contribute to the transformation of society.” In conclusion, while definitions may vary, a common thread in understanding curriculum involves acknowledging its role in organizing and directing the educational experiences of learners to achieve specific academic and developmental objectives. It’s essential to consider curriculum as both a plan and a process that requires constant review and adaptation to meet the needs of students and society.