Curriculum - Meaning, Definitions, Nature and Characteristics.

Utkarsh Education

Meaning of Curriculum

1. Etymological Meaning of Curriculum: 

The term 'curriculum' has originated from the Latin word 'currere' meaning "race course". In its etymological sense, we can say that it is the course which a person has to run across to arrive at the destination. From this viewpoint, education becomes a race which is run on the course of curriculum, and by which the aim of personality development of a child is achieved.

2. Narrow Meaning of Curriculum: 

In its narrow sense, the term 'curriculum' is considered synonym of 'course of study' or syllabus, which limits the facts of some subjects. Thus, in its narrow sense, curriculum is limited to only bookish knowledge. There is no place in it for a child's needs, interests, attitudes, aptitude, abilities and activities pertaining to practical life. In brief, we can say that in its narrow sense, by curriculum is meant that course in which only bookish knowledge is provided to students.

3. Wider Meaning of Curriculum: 

In its wide sense, the term 'curriculum' comprises of all those experiences which a child receives in and out of classroom for his all-round development keeping in with his needs. interests, aptitudes, attitudes and abilities, through different activities such as studies, games and co-curricular activities. 

According to Munroe, curriculum comprises of all those educational experiences which are obtained for the realization of educational aims.

According to Bent and Kroneberg, curriculum is the systematic form of contents of studies which is prepared for meeting the needs of students.

In brief we can say that by curriculum is meant all those experiences and activities organised for students which are helpful for their and the society's all-round development

Definitions of Curriculum

1. "It (curriculum) is a tool in the hands of the artist (teacher) to mould his material (pupil) according to his ideal (objective) in his studio (school)." Cunningham

2. "Curriculum should be conceived as an epitome of the whole of knowledge and experience of the human race." -Froebel 

3. "Curriculum, in its broader sense, includes the complete school environment, involving all the course, activities, reading and associations furnished to the pupils in the school." -Rudyard K. Bent and Henry H. Kroneberg 

4. "Curriculum embodies all the experiences which are offered to learner under spices or direction of the school." -R. Dall 

5. "Subject matter of learning or curriculum is identical with all the objects, ideals and principles which enter as resources obstacles into the continuous intentional pursuit at a course of action." -John Dewey

6. "The curriculum is the sum total of the activities that go on in the environment." -Anon

7. "Curriculum does not mean the academic subject taught in the school but it includes total experience that a child receives at a school." -The Secondary Education Commission

Nature of Curriculum

(1) The Curriculum is Continuously Evolving:  To be viable and effective, the curricular programme must have continuous evaluation and reappraisal. A programme must adopt its educational activities and services to meet the needs of a modern and dynamic community.

(2) The Curriculum is Based on the Needs of the People: It is imperative in developing a programme to begin with those that concern the people themselves. Their years of experience can be a good source that can be woven into the fabric of the class-room presentation.

(3) The Curriculum is Democratically Conceived: The minds and energies of many people who are in intimate contact with the interests, needs and resources of the community will create a more effective product than the individual director could possibly provide by working alone.

(4) The Curriculum is the Result of Long-term Effort: Enthusiasm for a prosed curriculum activity often impels proponents to push for immediate action. But a class or service that is begun hurriedly and folds quickly may hurt the long-term continuance of the programme.

(5) The Curriculum is a Complex Details:  A friendly social meeting, good-student teacher relationships, effective guidance opportunities, and favourable attitude on the part of individuals groups, and organizations within the community are necessary ingredients for a successful programme.

(6) The Curriculum Provides for Logical Sequence of Subject Matter: Classes and activities should be planned so as to achieve an orderly development of subject matter and step-by-step progress of the learner.

(7) The Curriculum Complements and Cooperates with other programmes in the Community: The public school should not try to monopolize the education scene at the community level. Its major concern should be to see that the jobs get done regardless of who does it. 

(8) The Curriculum has Educational Quality:  Curriculum must be made up of offerings that pass the test of good and sound education. We speak of quality education but there has to be quality curriculum as well. as Flexibility is a good trait of good curriculum. A curriculum must be ready to incorporate changes whenever necessary.

(9) The Curriculum has Administrative Flexibility:  A good curriculum must be ready to incorporate changes whenever necessary. The curriculum is open to revision and development to meet the demands of globalization and the digital age.

(10) Conducive to all Learning Styles:  A good curriculum want leave anyone out. In any given class-room there will be representation of several learning styles. Depending on the child, he or her favourable learning style may be Auditory (Learns best by Listening), Kinesthetic (Learns best through hand-on-activities), or Visual (Learns best through sight). Because every child is different, a great curriculum takes every child into account and gives opportunities for each one to connect with the lesson through his or her preferred learning style.

Characteristics of Curriculum

1. Curriculum is continuously evolving.

2. The Curriculum is based on the needs of the people.

3. The Curriculum has educational quality.

4. The Curriculum as administrative flexibility.

5. The Curriculum is democratically conceived.

6. The Curriculum should have simplicity.

7. The Curriculum is the result of long-term effort.

8. The Curriculum is a complex details.

9. The Curriculum provides for logical sequence of subject matter.

10. The Curriculum should have clarity.

11. The Curriculum should show priority.

12. The Curriculum compliments and Cooperates with other programmes in Community.