Definition and features of curriculum.
Definition and features of curriculum.
What is curriculum? Discuss the characteristics of curriculum.
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Concept / definition of curriculum:-
The English word curriculum comes from the Latin word Currere; which means to run. Again, the etymological meaning of the word Curriculum is the path of running to reach a specific goal. According to some prominent educationalists, curriculum:-
Payne said - Whatever programs are taken in school for the maximum personal and social development of the student, that is the curriculum.
Cunningham said - Curriculum is a tool for developing the student in the school environment focusing on specific goals and objectives.
Percy Nunn said - Educational ideals are reflected in school life through curriculum.
John Dewey said - Curriculum is the coherent form of everything that the student learns through school.
Froebel said - Curriculum is a short version of the overall knowledge of human civilization.
The Secondary Education Commission in its report on curriculum said - Curriculum is not only education through textbooks; along with it, the overall environment of the school, the environment outside the school and the society, etc., with all the elements, controlled and uncontrolled, is the curriculum.
Analyzing the above definitions, it can be said that - Curriculum is -
(a) Subjects taught in school,
(b) Collection of multiple subjects,
(c) Collection of some elements and materials,
(d) Planned by the school,
(e) Controlled by the school and the teacher,
(f) Inclusion of co-curricular subjects,
(g) Help in gaining experience of the student,
(h) Collection of specific goals and objectives.
Characteristics / Features of curriculum:-
1. Goal and objective-centered:-
Before setting the curriculum, the goals and objectives of education are specified. Curriculum is a means to achieve the goals of education. Therefore, specific curricula are designed to meet the goals of education. Curriculum is designed around various goals and objectives such as development of the individual and society, development of humanity and morality, work-oriented and livelihood assistance, acquisition of strategies for solving various practical problems, assistance in adaptation, etc.
2. Predetermined:-
Curriculum is always predetermined. The curriculum is fixed before the start of any class. According to that curriculum, the teaching and learning of that particular class is conducted. Apart from this, the predetermined curriculum is followed in the field of educational guidance.
3. Variable:-
Education is a social subject. Since society is changing, the goals and objectives of education are also changing. Therefore, the curriculum is also changing in line with the goals of changing education. The curriculum is always changing in line with various changes such as social change, technological improvement, changes in livelihood, ideological changes, etc.
4. Dependent on the student's ability: -
While setting the curriculum, the age of the student and his ability in that proportion are given utmost importance. If the curriculum is not setting based on the student's ability, the main goal of education will fail. Therefore, the curriculum is set in accordance with their ability by determining general formulas for students with different types of abilities.
5. Created by experienced people: -
A group of experienced people are responsible for setting the curriculum. Various experienced people such as educationists, psychologists, environmentalists, administrators, experienced teachers, sociologists, philosophers - are responsible for setting the curriculum as a whole.
6. Subject to evaluation: -
The curriculum is always subject to evaluation. The evaluation of the curriculum is of two types; namely - preparatory evaluation and final evaluation. Through evaluation, it is possible to check the level of knowledge and understanding of the student. In addition, evaluation is very important to know how effective the goals and objectives of the curriculum are.
7. Ideological basis:-
Each curriculum is based on a specific ideology. This ideology is applied in terms of society, philosophy, morality, values, etc. For example, the modern curriculum is based on democratic ideals.
8. Realistic basis:-
The curriculum never ignores the aspect of reality. The curriculum gives overall importance to the kind of knowledge and skills that a student needs to acquire in real life, the kind of vocational skills that need to be acquired.
9. Overall development of the student:-
The curriculum helps in the overall development of the student. The student's cognitive needs, performance needs, moral needs, social needs, needs to earn a living - etc. are met through the curriculum; which makes the overall development of the student possible.
10. Integration of theoretical and practical foundations: -
The curriculum integrates theoretical and practical aspects. Through the theoretical aspect, the student understands the theoretical concepts of various subjects and through the practical aspect, he acquires the techniques to apply them in practice.
11. Based on psychological principles:-
Psychology has the greatest influence in the development of a curriculum. Psychology plays the most important role in determining the age, talent, ability, needs, etc. of the student before developing the curriculum.
12. Importance of work experience:-
In every modern curriculum, emphasis is given to work experience. Work experience is - the student will gain experience himself through his own work, study - participation in studies - etc. As a result, the student will be able to consciously, without anyone's help, acquire various knowledge and strategies for future life.
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