What is a curriculum?

What is a curriculum and how do we define it

After reading and thoroughly understanding how the curriculum is defined, I realized that the curriculum is not a mere compilation of official documents. Still, it is a combination of principles and ideals supported by proper documentation that must be aligned with the institution’s visions and values. The word curriculum has various interpretations from Ralph Tyler (1949) to M. Print (1993).

However, classic and modern thinkers and practitioners provided the exact keywords: planned events, planned experiences, learning environment, and learning experiences. Before reading this module, my interpretation of a curriculum is that it consists of documents that the institution or school must abide by. It seems like I have a vague understanding of what a curriculum is. This module unlocks the true definition of curriculum.

A step-by-step guide must be present and provided if a curriculum is a process. Each institution that creates its curriculum aligns it to its visions and what they want its students to become after providing a significant learning experience. The culture of the school must be taken into consideration in the creation of a curriculum.

How will the school implement the curriculum? Does the school provide pieces of training to teachers who are going to follow the said curriculum? Various resources such as textbooks and the use of technology: providing iPads or Chromebooks to students, online materials, and online quizzes are an integral part of implementing the curriculum. Although resources must be part of the curriculum as we perceive it as a process, teachers’ knowledge is more impactful than other attributes. As a facilitator of learning, knowledgeable educators can create a richer learning experience for students.