Running head: ELEMENT 1 CURRICULUM

Element 1: Definition of Curriculum

Trisha King
University of Northern Colorado

ELEMENT 1 CURRICULUM

Element 1: Definition of Curriculum

The term curriculum has various definitions in education, and it can look different for
many. Although there are multiple definitions of curriculum, it ultimately derives to a tool that is
used to demonstrate a students learning experience. These experiences can be delivered through
planned units of assessment, or to teachable moments in or outside of the classroom that overall
will shape the student academically and socially. As Teachers as Curriculum Planners (1988)
states, When we say the word curriculum then, we need to have a picture in mind in which all
of these parts are in interaction (Connelly and Clandinin, p.7). This quote echoes how
curriculum does not only encompass student assessment outcomes, but how it needs to look at
the bigger picture of all the experiences that curriculum can offer. Thus, the role of some key
stakeholders can play a crucial role in implementing and evaluating the aims of any curriculum.
For instance, teachers, parents, students, administrators, school boards, and communities need to
be mindful of what all students need to be successful outside of academia. Overall, all of these
people would need to come together to evaluate teaching practices that offer educative
experiences that allow for schooling to embrace teachable moments, encourage self-efficacy,
rigor, grit, problem solving skills, and to take initiative when it is needed. These skills when
deeply thought about as well as developed into a knowledge base with transferable lessons would
prove to be impactful for all students when they leave academia.

References
Connelly, F., & Clandinin, D. (1988). Teachers as Curriculum Planners: Narratives of
Experience. New York, NY: Teachers College Press, Teachers College. Columbia University ;.