Detailed Discussion: Types of Curriculum and Curriculum Foundations

Curriculum development is an intricate and multifaceted process influenced by different academic

fields. Understanding the types of curriculum and their foundational categories is essential for
educators to design effective and meaningful learning experiences. Let's delve into the different
types of curriculum and their foundational sources:

Types of Curriculum
1. Ideal or Recommended Curriculum
This curriculum refers to what experts or educational authorities deem best for students to
learn. It is often grounded in national or international education standards and reflects the
ideal learning outcomes. However, these recommendations are not always followed strictly,
as they are subject to interpretation by schools and teachers.
2. Intended, Official, or Written Curriculum
This curriculum is formalized in documents, policies, and lesson plans. It represents what
schools and educational institutions aim to teach, based on government policies or
institutional goals. It includes official guidelines and frameworks provided to schools and
teachers for implementation.
3. Taught Curriculum
The taught curriculum refers to what teachers deliver in the classroom. It may not always
align perfectly with the official curriculum due to various factors such as time constraints,
teacher preparedness, and available resources. In essence, this curriculum is the
translation of written objectives into actual lessons and activities.
4. Supported Curriculum
This type of curriculum includes the additional resources that help teachers implement
lessons, such as textbooks, multimedia tools, and other instructional materials. These
materials ensure that the curriculum is well-supported and that teachers have the
necessary tools to facilitate learning.
5. Integrated Curriculum
The integrated curriculum combines different subject areas, helping students make
connections between various disciplines. It encourages interdisciplinary learning, where
students apply knowledge from multiple fields to understand complex concepts. This
approach promotes holistic learning and the application of skills across contexts.
6. Achieved or Learned Curriculum
This is the actual knowledge and skills that students acquire by the end of the course. It
reflects the learning outcomes, which may differ from what was intended or taught due to
individual learning differences, assessment methods, and learning environments.
7. Teacher-Centered Curriculum
In this approach, the teacher is the primary authority in the learning environment. The
curriculum focuses on structured instruction, where the teacher decides what is taught, how
it is taught, and how students are assessed. This model tends to emphasize content
delivery over student participation.
8. Tested Curriculum
The tested curriculum includes the content that is evaluated through formal assessments,
exams, and standardized tests. It reflects the knowledge and skills that are prioritized by the
educational system for measurement and accountability purposes.
Additional Curriculum Types
1. Entitlement Curriculum
This type focuses on ensuring that all students receive a fair and equal opportunity to
access the curriculum. It emphasizes inclusivity and provides all students with the right to
education that meets their needs.
2. Null or Censored Curriculum
The null or censored curriculum refers to topics and knowledge that are intentionally left out
or ignored. These omissions can be due to social, cultural, political, or educational reasons,
limiting the scope of what students are exposed to.
3. Activity-Centered Curriculum
This curriculum revolves around hands-on, experiential learning, where students engage in
activities that help them learn by doing. It emphasizes active participation, critical thinking,
and problem-solving over passive learning.
4. Hidden or Unintended Curriculum
The hidden curriculum consists of the lessons students learn indirectly through school
culture, teacher behavior, and institutional norms. It encompasses the values, attitudes, and
beliefs students pick up outside of the formal curriculum.
5. Student-Centered Curriculum
In contrast to the teacher-centered approach, this curriculum places the student at the
center of the learning process. It focuses on the needs, interests, and abilities of students,
allowing them more autonomy and choice in their learning experiences.
6. Subject-Centered Curriculum
This traditional curriculum model organizes education around specific subject areas such as
math, science, and history. It is focused on delivering structured content and assessing
student understanding within those subjects.
7. Teaching Across Curriculum
Teaching across the curriculum emphasizes the integration of knowledge across different
subject areas. Teachers design lessons that allow students to explore how various fields of
knowledge interrelate, fostering interdisciplinary understanding.

Three Categories of Sources for Curriculum Foundation

1. Psychology
Psychological theories provide critical insights into how learners process information and
the most effective methods for teaching. Understanding students' characteristics, their
learning processes, and motivation can guide the development of educational objectives,
teaching methods, and evaluation procedures. Psychology helps identify how students
learn and which strategies will best support their cognitive and emotional development.
o Educational Objectives: Clearly defined learning goals that align with students'
developmental stages.
o Student Characteristics: Understanding individual differences in learning styles,
abilities, and needs.
o Learning Processes: Applying theories like behaviorism, cognitivism, and
constructivism to teaching methods.
 o Teaching Methods: Strategies based on psychological theories to enhance learning
outcomes.
o Evaluation Procedures: Assessing student progress using tools informed by
psychological research.
2. Philosophy
Philosophy underpins the values and principles that guide curriculum development. It helps
define what is considered valuable knowledge, which informs the aims of education.
Educators draw on various philosophical perspectives—such as realism, pragmatism, or
existentialism—to shape the content and goals of their curriculum.
3. Sociology
Sociology examines the relationship between society, culture, and education. It explores
how societal norms, cultural values, and social dynamics influence curriculum design. The
study of sociology helps curriculum developers understand the role of education in
promoting social equity and preparing students for active participation in society.

Review: Types of Curriculum and Curriculum Foundations

The discussion on the types of curriculum and their foundational sources highlights the complexity
of curriculum design in education. There are several distinct curriculum types that reflect different
approaches to teaching and learning. From the ideal curriculum recommended by experts to the
achieved curriculum that students actually learn, each type serves a specific purpose in the
educational process.
 Ideal or Recommended Curriculum sets high standards but may not always be fully
implemented due to practical constraints.
 Intended or Official Curriculum represents the goals set by educational authorities, while
the Taught Curriculum reflects what is delivered in the classroom.
 Supported Curriculum includes the resources that assist in teaching, and the Integrated
Curriculum promotes interdisciplinary learning.
 The Achieved Curriculum represents the outcomes of student learning, which can differ
from the intended goals.
 Teacher-Centered and Student-Centered Curriculums offer contrasting approaches to
instruction, with the former focusing on teacher control and the latter on student autonomy.
 The Hidden Curriculum reveals the unintended lessons learned from school culture, and
the Tested Curriculum emphasizes the content evaluated through formal assessments.
In addition to these types, the discussion also introduces the three foundational categories of
curriculum development—psychology, philosophy, and sociology. Psychology informs the
understanding of how students learn, guiding educators in setting educational objectives,
designing teaching methods, and assessing learning. Philosophy provides the underlying
principles that define the nature of knowledge and the aims of education, while sociology
addresses the social and cultural factors that shape the curriculum.
Detailed Discussion: Types of Curriculum and Curriculum Foundations with Examples
Understanding the various types of curriculum and their foundational sources is crucial in creating
educational systems that meet the needs of diverse learners. Each type serves a different purpose
and plays a specific role in shaping the learning experience. Here’s a deeper look into the types of
curriculum, followed by practical examples to illustrate each concept:

Types of Curriculum with Examples

1. Ideal or Recommended Curriculum
The ideal or recommended curriculum is often developed by educational authorities,
curriculum developers, and experts who determine the most valuable knowledge students
should learn. This curriculum represents the gold standard but is not always implemented
exactly as intended.
Example:
The National Curriculum in the UK is an example of an ideal curriculum. It specifies the subjects,
topics, and skills that should be taught in schools across England. However, schools may interpret
these guidelines differently based on local contexts, resources, and student needs.
2. Intended, Official, or Written Curriculum
This refers to the formal curriculum outlined in policy documents, lesson plans, and
instructional materials. It is what teachers are expected to teach in the classroom, based on
official frameworks and standards.
Example:
A school’s syllabus for Grade 10 Chemistry, detailing the topics such as the periodic table,
chemical bonding, and reaction mechanisms, is an example of the intended curriculum. Teachers
are expected to follow this syllabus while planning lessons.
3. Taught Curriculum
The taught curriculum is what is actually delivered by teachers in the classroom. It can vary
from the official curriculum based on teacher preferences, student engagement, or resource
availability.
Example:
In a science class, the official curriculum might require teaching about photosynthesis. However,
the teacher may choose to focus more on the practical aspects of plant biology due to the
availability of a school garden, deviating slightly from the written curriculum.
4. Supported Curriculum
This refers to the resources and materials that help teachers in delivering the curriculum
effectively. These may include textbooks, digital tools, instructional videos, and hands-on
learning materials.
Example:
A teacher using a mix of textbooks, interactive simulations, and lab experiments to teach about
chemical reactions is implementing the supported curriculum. The availability of such resources
greatly enhances the delivery of lessons.
5. Integrated Curriculum
In an integrated curriculum, subjects are connected in a way that allows students to see
relationships between different areas of knowledge. This approach encourages cross-
disciplinary learning.
Example:
A project that combines history, math, and art where students calculate the dimensions of ancient
Egyptian pyramids and then create scale models is an example of an integrated curriculum.
Students use knowledge from different subjects to complete a comprehensive project.
 6. Achieved or Learned Curriculum
The achieved or learned curriculum reflects what students actually retain and understand
after instruction. It may not always align with the intended curriculum due to individual
learning differences.
Example:
After completing a unit on algebra, a teacher conducts an assessment. The test results show that
while most students understand solving linear equations, fewer have grasped the concept of
quadratic equations, indicating that the achieved curriculum has not fully met the intended learning
goals.
7. Teacher-Centered Curriculum
In a teacher-centered curriculum, the teacher is the authority figure who controls what is
taught and how it is taught. Students are often passive recipients of knowledge.
Example:
In a traditional lecture-based history class, the teacher presents facts and dates while students
listen, take notes, and complete set assignments. The teacher dictates the pace and content,
reflecting a teacher-centered approach.
8. Tested Curriculum
This refers to the content that is assessed through formal exams, standardized tests, or
other forms of evaluation. It often influences both the taught curriculum and students'
learning priorities.
Example:
In a school preparing students for standardized tests like the SATs, much of the focus may be on
the content and skills that are tested, such as critical reading, math problem-solving, and essay
writing.

Additional Curriculum Types with Examples

1. Entitlement Curriculum
This curriculum ensures that every student has equal access to learning opportunities,
regardless of their background or abilities.
Example:
A school offering additional language support and modified learning materials for non-native
speakers to ensure they can keep up with the rest of the class represents an entitlement
curriculum. All students have access to the same curriculum, but some receive extra support to
meet their needs.
2. Null or Censored Curriculum
The null or censored curriculum refers to topics that are deliberately excluded from the
curriculum due to societal or cultural reasons.
Example:
In some schools, certain historical events or controversial topics like climate change or political
ideologies may be omitted from the curriculum due to government restrictions or cultural
sensitivity. These topics become part of the null curriculum, as students are not exposed to them.
3. Activity-Centered Curriculum
This approach emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, where students actively
participate in their learning through practical activities.
Example:
A teacher organizing a science fair where students conduct experiments, present their findings,
and demonstrate scientific concepts through models and posters is using an activity-centered
curriculum. Students learn by doing, not just by listening or reading.
4. Hidden or Unintended Curriculum
The hidden curriculum consists of the lessons students learn implicitly through school
culture, peer interactions, and the values that teachers or the institution unconsciously
promote.
Example:
A school that encourages punctuality and cleanliness through strict rules about tardiness and
maintaining clean classrooms is teaching students discipline and responsibility, even though these
values are not part of the formal curriculum.
5. Student-Centered Curriculum
In a student-centered curriculum, the focus is on the needs, interests, and learning styles of
students. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students as they take charge of their own
learning.
Example:
A classroom where students choose their own research projects based on their interests, work in
groups to solve problems, and present their findings in creative ways (such as through
presentations, reports, or videos) is an example of a student-centered curriculum.
6. Subject-Centered Curriculum
This is a traditional approach where learning is organized around specific subjects, with a
strong emphasis on knowledge acquisition in those areas.
Example:
A school that schedules separate classes for math, science, history, and literature, with clear
distinctions between the subjects, is following a subject-centered curriculum. Each subject is
taught independently with little overlap.
7. Teaching Across Curriculum
Teaching across the curriculum involves integrating various subjects to provide students
with a more holistic learning experience.
Example:
In a project that involves both art and environmental science, students might create posters about
endangered species, incorporating scientific research with artistic expression. This approach helps
students see how subjects are interconnected.

Three Categories of Sources for Curriculum Foundation with Examples

1. Psychology
Psychological principles help in understanding how students learn and how teaching
methods can be tailored to meet diverse learning needs. Insights from psychology guide the
development of curriculum objectives, teaching strategies, and assessment methods.
Example:
Using Bloom's Taxonomy in lesson planning, where teachers design lessons to move students
from basic knowledge recall to higher-order thinking (analysis, evaluation, and creation), is an
example of psychology influencing the curriculum.
 2. Philosophy
Philosophy shapes the curriculum by providing a framework for what is considered valuable
knowledge. Different philosophical perspectives influence the aims and objectives of
education.
Example:
A curriculum based on pragmatism might focus on experiential learning, where students are
encouraged to solve real-world problems through trial and error. In contrast, a curriculum based on
idealism may focus more on teaching abstract principles and classical knowledge.
3. Sociology
Sociology provides insights into the cultural, social, and economic factors that influence
education. Curriculum designers consider how societal expectations and cultural norms
affect what is taught in schools.
Example:
In a multicultural society, schools might incorporate lessons on diversity and inclusivity, reflecting
the sociological understanding that education should prepare students to live and work in diverse
communities.

Review: Types of Curriculum and Curriculum Foundations with Examples

The various types of curriculum provide educators with different ways to approach teaching and
learning. Each type serves a distinct role:
 The Ideal Curriculum provides a theoretical framework for what students should learn, but
the Taught Curriculum is what teachers actually deliver.
 Supported Curriculum offers the tools and resources necessary for effective teaching.
 The Integrated Curriculum fosters connections across subjects, while the Achieved
Curriculum represents the knowledge students retain.
 Contrasts like Teacher-Centered and Student-Centered curriculums offer different
approaches, with one focusing on teacher authority and the other on student autonomy.
 The Hidden Curriculum teaches students values and behaviors that are not explicitly
stated.
Furthermore, the foundation of curriculum development is influenced by psychology, philosophy,
and sociology, each contributing a unique perspective. Psychology helps educators understand
how students learn, philosophy guides what should be taught, and sociology ensures the
curriculum reflects societal needs and prepares students for their roles as active citizens.
Incorporating these types and foundational categories leads to a well-rounded and inclusive
educational system that meets the diverse needs of learners, promoting both academic and
personal growth.