MESHGuides

Some definitions are descriptive because these define curriculum as “how things are” in the schools. In these definitions, educationists put the learners in focus and define things happening with respect to the learners. Some definitions of this category are given below.

Some definitions are prescriptive because these define curriculum as “how things ought to be” in the schools. These definitions acknowledge the dominant role of the institution or teacher who is influencing the learners. Here, the institution or teacher is responsible for transforming the learners’ personality in such a way that it is accepted by the society. Educationists like Dewey, Rugg, Tylor, and Triche give a prescriptive definition of curriculum: when they suggest that

The term curriculum has been defined in so many ways that it has become a hard to pin down term (Psifidou, 2007 p. 17). Different philosophies of education, divergent learning theories, and different approaches and theories of curriculum have contributed to the establishment of assorted definitions of curriculum. However, this variety in definitions of curriculum does not indicate its ambiguity but its comprehensiveness and richness of its scope. Actually, each definition communicates a particular aspect or characteristic of curriculum adding its depth and breadth.

Various books and journals (online as well as offline) were consulted to get different aspects of curriculum (see reference below). Personal professional knowledge and judgment also helped in identifying important concepts. 

This guide is an extract from doctoral study entitled “Curriculum audit: Analysis of curriculum alignment at secondary level in Punjab” (by Abdul JabbarBhatti, research fellow at International Islamic University Islamabad) 

Curriculum is the essence of any education system. Education is the transfer of knowledge, attitudes and skills from one generation to the next generation but the curriculum “reflects (the) forms of knowledge, habits of thinking, and cultural practices that a society considers important enough to pass on to succeeding generations” (Triche, 2002, p. 1). Therefore, knowing about curriculum is essential for teachers. This guide will help you in understanding the concept of curriculum. 

It is important to be mindful that children learn in different ways, at different speeds and assign varying levels of important to tasks. These principles are at the very heart of scaffolding. During their career, teachers develop the skill of accurately judging the abilities of their students prior to setting the activities or during the activities. A crucial part of the scaffolding process is the ability to challenge students appropriately and provide stimulus which is relevant to them which serves as a ‘hook’, that is to use differentiation.

The ‘scaffolding’ approach is centered on helping the child in tasks they cannot complete for themselves. In an educational setting this is one of the fundamental roles of a teacher. Teachers are trained and spend the majority if not all of their professional career trying to ensure they get the best out of their students