So I began to search out a definition for curriculum and after looking at reputable sources like the Merriam-Webster dictionary, my apple dictionary, and google on-line (yes even google is considered a reputable source) I realized that curriculum is never really defined. Most places say curriculum is a collection of classes students take to achieve a goal. Well if that is a definition then I could achieve that life long desire to become an underwater basket weaver with just a few classes.
As I read more and more about schools and what they call curricula I have determined the following:
Curriculum can be anything you study that helps you achieve a set goal. For instance taking the college prep curriculum from a high school should help you achieve the goal of attending college and being prepared.
Curriculum is a set of classes like the science curriculum or the english curriculum is all the courses within those departments.
Curriculum is also what is studied while taking a particular course so you could have an extensive biology curriculum that covers everything from cell structure to organ systems.
Curriculum is set at a very broad level by the state and federal government and then at a local level by the teachers.
For my purpose I am going to say curriculum is a set of knowledge you obtain through studying and learning new things. So my biology curriculum that I am working on will be based on requirements set forth by the state and federal standards but tailored to suit the needs of my students.
The next step is going to be how to make this curriculum worth something to the students and the faculty that use it.
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How much of your biology curriculum is from you...in other words...concepts or skills you not specified by state and federal standards, but you think should be included?
ReplyDeleteAlso, what about the learning that your students do in your classes that is often called the "hidden curriculum"...outside what you expect them to learn about biology?
Good start on your definition...you may want to think about curriculum as more than a set of courses...because that is a bit narrow. How about "experiences"? And while you are talking about your biology curriculum in your class...do kids learn anything about biology elsewhere in their school day? How about those playing sports or receiving some sort of athletic training?