Introducing the concept of curriculum is a complex process. It involves understanding the point of view of each party involved and what role they can play in the curriculum’s development. On the other hand, curriculum design and its definition tend to vary depending on the context and level.
However, there are four main types of curriculum examples which are: Academic \, Behavioral \, Experiential, and Technical . In the following article, we’ll discuss each of these types of curriculum that is typically used in classrooms, workplaces, and the communities.
1. Academic Curriculum
Academic curriculums focus mainly on knowledge acquisition. The lessons are to be used to ensure that the students acquire subject knowledge such as Maths or Science.
The primary aim is to equip them with understanding and content expertise. Academic curriculums include topics such as history, geography, conjugation, and language. Since knowledge is acquired from the individual, it is important to the institution in which the knowledge will be used.
The academic curriculum can be further broken down into small topics. These are known as “learning objectives”. Each objective is given a purpose and expected outcome and includes small activities for assessment.
Often, the assessment allows the institution or school to measure the student’s learning and gives the user an idea of the subjects they are studying. In most cases, the academic curriculum is designed using requirements set out by the school board.
This method ensures that the student is able to acquire the knowledge they need to succeed in future. According to the criteria set out in the curriculum, the activities can be organized and the topics taught to best suit the requirements.
2. Behavioral Curriculum
A behavioral curriculum is designed to teach the student how to enforce certain behaviors, action, and attitudes. It is normally used in institutions such as prisons, hospitals, and community schools. The aim of a behavior curriculum is to address issues such as behaviors, drug and alcohol usage, and self harm.
The curriculum also includes issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. It is important for the students to learn how to be socially responsible, showing respect for those around them.
Behavior curriculums can involve both physical and mental activities, with individual and group participation depending on the context. It begins with an introduction on the importance of behavior, teaching the student the ethical conduct of a person and how to adhere to rules and regulations.
They learn how to mediate and engage in activities to influence the behavior of others. The focus of the behavioral curriculum is usually on the negative aspects of behavior and how it can be changed. Through this teaching strategy, the student can develop core beliefs and values, and gain skills in problem solving.
Behavioral curriculums help in developing virtue and personal values which are essential for productive individuals. This can be seen in violent behavior which is often due to cultural, religious, and educational issues.
3. Experiential Curriculum
Experiential curriculums involve activities, designs, and plans that involve interactions with the environment. Practical activities can range from field trips to cooperative learning whereby students are given activities to work on together as a team.
Experiential curriculums are about the student having access to real-life activities to help them gain mastery of the concepts. It is set out to help the student learn and understand the world around them. The activities involved in an experiential curriculum can be organized and designed to promote understanding using Five Cs; Character Building, Collaborative Learning, Culture and Diversity, Computational Thinking, and Career and Technical Education.
Through the activities, students gain an understanding of the environment, the technology used, and their respective culture. They also learn more about collaboration and cooperate with the other students to complete the task at hand. Experiential curriculums create a “learning by doing” environment.
This allows the students to explore their environment and make decisions in order to achieve a given goal. Through cooperation and collaboration, the students understand the dynamics of the environment better and form an understanding of the topics being taught.
This is effective; as it reports the students to be able to learn from mistakes more efficiently.
4. Technical Curriculum
Technical curriculums focus on skills and abilities in a practical or vocational way. Technical curriculums include areas of Production, Construction, Manufacturing, Maintenance, and Engineering.
Technical curriculums provide the students the skills, understanding, and knowledge they require to build, design, and maintain machines. These activities can involve creative and research designs as well as practical applications. Technical curriculums usually require the student to understand the importance of safety, working in teams, problem solving, and communication.
These technical skills equip the students with the tools required to complete their work successfully and on time. The technical curriculums also involve the use of tools and the ability to read and interpret data. Students should also have an understanding of the different applications of technology in practical environments.
They must also have the relevant understanding of sensors, actuators, and other components used in the technology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the four types of curriculums are Academic, Behavioral, Experiential, and Technical. Each of these curriculums has its own set of objectives, activities and methods that can be used to equip the students with the right knowledge. Depending on the requirements and context, the designer can customize the curriculum to suit the needs of the student.
Most importantly, the curriculum should be designed to facilitate knowledge, problem solving, and communication. The purpose should be to empower and equip the students to take on complex tasks and problems.