Meaning, Definition, Need and Importance of Curriculum
Meaning and Definition of Curriculum: The term 'Curriculum' has originated from the Latin word 'Currere' Meaning race course. In its etymological sense, we can say that it is the course which person has to run across to arrive at the destination. From this viewpoint, education becomes a race which is run of the course of curriculum, and by which the aim of personality development of a child is achieved. According to munroe- "Curriculum embodies all the experiences which are utilised by the school to attain the aims of education."
1. According to Philip H. Taytor
Thecurriculum consists of content, teaching methods and purpose may be in its rough and ready may be sufficient definition with which to start. These three interacting dimensions are operated on curriculum.
2. According to the Education Commission
"We conceive of the school curriculum as the totality of learning experiences that the school provides through all the manifold activities in the school or outside, that are carried on under its supervision.
3. According to Walter
"The curriculum may be defined as all the experiences that pupils have while under the direction of the school, it includes both classroom and extra activities, work as well as pla
4. According to Secondary Education Commission
"Curriculum does not mean only he academic subjects traditionally taught in the school, but it includes the totality of experiences that a pupil receives through manifold activities that go in the school, in the classroom, librarian, laboratory, workshop, playground and the numerous informal contacts between teacher and pupils. In this sense the whole life of the school becomes the curriculum which can touch the life of the students at all points and help in the evolution of a balanced personality."
Need and Importance of Curriculum
Each society and nation determines its educational aims as per its needs and constructs its curriculum for the realisation of these aims The Curriculum comprises only those methods which can be helpful in the realisation of the specified aims. Thus, we can show the need and importance of curriculum under the following points:
1. Utilisation of Time and Energy
After the curriculum has been pertained, a teacher finds out what he has to teach and the student knows what he has to study. It saves on time and energy.
2. Helpful in Educational Process
The teaching material is prepared on the basis of curriculum. It explains the amount of knowledge and skill in activities to be imparted at a particular level of education. Thus, a specified curriculum helps to systematise the educational process.
3. Fulfilment of Psychological Needs of Students
A specified curriculum is helpful in meeting the psychological needs of students, Because man is a social being, and takes interest in purposeful activities and wants to do work which may be helpful in the realisation of his present needs and meeting future needs. All these things are kept in view in column construction, and precisely for this reason, students show interest in it.
4. Equal Level of Education
When the curriculum is specified, the level of education in the entire society is equal and uniform. It helps us find out the right direction of our educational reforms; also it helps us to maintain the uniform level of education.
5. Helpful in Realization of Educational Aims
The curriculum is constructed for the realization of educational aims. In the absence of it, we cannot ascertain the aims being realized with the help of which subjects or activities, and which activities for subjects are meaningless.
6. Writing of Textbooks
A specified curriculum guides different scholars and writers for writing textbooks. The writers take the curriculum lie the basis for writing textbooks.
7. Evaluation
The curriculum assists in evaluating students. With the curriculum at hand for a particular level, it becomes easier to evaluate Students abilities. If there is no curriculum for a level, it would not be an easy task for teachers to evaluate students' abilities.
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