The educational world is vast and wide, and there are different types of curriculum to suit various interests, goals, and needs of educators, individuals, and institutions alike. Curriculum describes all the various components, including topics, goals, and materials, of an educational program. This article will explore the different types of curriculum, how they are used, and how they can be customized to the needs of the user.
Definition of Curriculum
Curriculum is defined by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) as being composed of “all the learning experiences that are planned for students, whether they are delivered in traditional classrooms, virtual classrooms, or through extracurricular activities. In most contexts, curriculum includes instruction, assessment, and other components that affect student learning. ” It is a set of academic content, often from a certain subject area, that a teacher or school designs for their students to learn.
An example of a curriculum could include the courses required for a college degree – from basic math to Spanish or kinesiology, for example.
Types of Curriculum
When it comes to types of curriculum, there are several different kinds that can be used in any given context. Below are the most common forms of curricula that exist today.
Traditional Curriculum
Traditional curricula are those that are designed and implemented in traditional classrooms, with lectures, discussions, and more. It is the most common type of curriculum and is often based on national standards and subject-specific standards.
The goal of a traditional curriculum is to teach students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their education, as well as preparing them for college and career goals. Traditional curricula usually consist of textbooks, lectures, and activities, with topics that are relevant to the current educational standards.
Inquiry-Based Curriculum
Inquiry-based curricula is based on the belief that students learn best when they are actively exploring and reflecting on ideas, making their own connections, and working collaboratively. This type of curriculum provides students with the opportunity to develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills by asking questions, conducting investigations, and analyzing information. Inquiry-based curricula are often used in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) classrooms, and often incorporate technology and digital learning into their lesson plans.
Project-Based Curriculum
Project-based curricula is focused on developing proficiency in core content areas through hands-on learning projects. This type of curriculum centers around the process of creating a project to demonstrate learning that is in line with their academic content standards. Most project-based curricula contain a project plan, essential questions, materials, resources, and short-term and long-term goals.
These projects are often designed to be integrated with other topics, including mathematics, science, and language arts, to create a comprehensive, interdisciplinary learning experience.
Problem-Based Curriculum
A problem-based curriculum focuses on addressing real-world problems in an academic setting. This type of curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by exposing students to real-world issues, such as climate change or the global food crisis, and having them develop solutions to address those issues.
In a problem-based curriculum, students are expected to analyze an issue, research potential solutions, test their hypotheses, and present their findings.
Competency-Based Curriculum
Competency-based curricula are designed to help students master the material they are studying by assessing their progress and determining their level of proficiency. This type of curriculum focuses on mastery of a set of skills rather than completion of a course or the accumulation of credits.
With competency-based curricula, students are assessed through tests, projects, and other measures of their skills and knowledge, and are awarded credit for demonstrating mastery of the content.
Integrated Curriculum
Integrated curricula combine multiple subjects to create an interconnected learning experience. This type of curriculum is often used in elementary classrooms and seeks to bridge the gap between academic subjects and the “real world” by creating a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to learning. Integrated curricula can be used to create a more engaging educational experience by introducing topics like music, art, and literature into the curriculum.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Curriculum
The Universal Design for Learning is a framework that encourages the development of learning environments and materials that are accessible to all students. This type of curriculum uses a range of strategies and tools to make content available to all learners, regardless of ability level.
UDL curricula often use digital technology and interactive media, such as podcasts and videos, to provide materials in multiple formats and to address the learning needs of different students.
Online Curriculum
Online curricula are those that are designed and implemented via an online platform or through a distance learning program. This type of curriculum is becoming increasingly popular in the educational world and is commonly used in higher education. Much like a traditional curriculum, online curricula cover the same topics and materials, but are delivered virtually, often using course management systems, videos, websites, or other technologies.
Experiential Learning Curriculum
Experiential learning curricula are designed to give students direct, hands-on experience with the content. This type of curriculum often incorporates field studies, internships, or other activities that give students the opportunity to interact with the material they are studying in a real-world setting.
Experiential learning curricula typically include lectures, discussions, and activities, in addition to the experiential components.
Personalized Curriculum
Personalized curricula are designed to take into account the individual needs and interests of each student, as well as their learning styles, abilities, and goals. This type of curriculum is often used in classrooms, but can also be used to create individualized learning plans for students.
Personalized curricula can include a range of activities, from traditional “sit-and-listen” instruction to hands-on exploration and self-directed study.
Conclusion
Curriculum is a framework for education that can take many different forms, from traditional classrooms to online instruction, and from individualized learning plans to integrated core content. In each case, the goal of curriculum is the same: to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their education and in the world.
There are many different types of curriculum available today, most of which can be tailored to suit the needs of the individual or organization in question.