1. The Formal Plan of Study: This is the most common definition. The curriculum refers to the planned course of study offered at a school, college, or other educational institution. It includes the subjects taught, the learning objectives, the assessment methods, and the sequence in which they are delivered. This can be a broad term, encompassing the entire school's program or a specific program of study (like a curriculum for a math major).
2. The Actual Experiences of Learning: The curriculum can also refer to the actual experiences of learning that students have. This includes the content covered, the activities undertaken, and the interactions that take place in the classroom. This definition emphasizes the lived experience of education, rather than just the written plan.
3. The Hidden Curriculum: This refers to the implicit messages and values that students learn through the school environment, even if they are not explicitly taught. This can include things like social norms, expectations for behavior, and attitudes towards different groups of people.
4. The Curriculum as a Process: Some people view the curriculum as a dynamic process that evolves over time, rather than a static document. This definition emphasizes the importance of reflecting on and revising the curriculum based on new research, changing needs, and student feedback.
In essence, the word "curriculum" encompasses the entire educational experience, from the formal plan to the actual experiences and the implicit messages that students receive.