Every school around the world needs to design a curriculum for the students to follow. The four levels of curriculum are the basis from which a curriculum is created. The four stages are: objectives, content, activities, and assessment.
In this article, we will discuss what each of these curriculum levels entails along with examples of each.
Objectives
The objectives are the overall purpose of the learning process. It drives the curriculum and is why it has been designed.
The objectives should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. An example of an objective is ‘The student will be able to identify, explain and solve basic algebra equations. ’ To ensure objectives are effective, they should be clear and perfectly stated.
The objectives must be related to the goals and the overall learning framework. It is important to note that the objectives are the statements of what the student is expected to gain by the end of the lesson.
Content
Content is what is being learnt. It is the body of knowledge that the student needs to learn. The content should be current and up-to-date.
Any information or knowledge that is outdated should be avoided as it could be irrelevant or wrong. Content can include facts, concepts, principles, theories, models, and other related material.
When designing content, teachers should ensure it appeals to the students so it is easier for them to learn.
Activities
Activities are used to make sense of the content. The activities use the content to facilitate learning.
In a classroom setting, activities can include discussions, activities, videos, demonstrations, and projects. Activities give the students opportunity to practice their skills and test their understanding. These activities can also identify any problems students may have with the content.
Assessment
Assessment is used to measure the student’s understanding and if the objectives have been successfully achieved. As mentioned earlier, the objectives are the purpose of the lesson and the assessment ensures the purpose has been met.
Assessments can be formal or informal. Examples of assessment include tests, quizzes, projects and activities. The objectives should always be kept in mind when designing assessments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the four levels of curriculum are objectives, content, activities, and assessment. The objectives are essential to the learning process and should be included when designing a curriculum.
Content should be current, relevant and appealing to the learner. Activities should involve the students and involve methods of assessing their knowledge and skills. Last but not least, assessments should measure the student’s understanding of the content.
This is essential to ensuring the success of the learning process.