Curriculum development

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
Week #1 18,19/10/2023

 Introduction
A curriculum is a structured and organized plan for what and how students will learn in an
educational program or system. It encompasses all of the instructional materials, content,
objectives, and activities that are designed to help students acquire knowledge and skills in
a particular subject or set of subjects.

 What type of material should be taught to students

 Curriculum is the sum of learner experiences and resources which are specifically
selected, which is organized and implemented in schools, colleges and universities
 A curriculum is taught step-by-step what we call syllabus.
Characteristics of Curriculum

The characteristics of curriculum can vary depending on the level of education (e.g., higher
education, vocational training) and the specific educational institution, but there are some
common characteristics that are generally associated with curriculum development and
design:
1. Totality of activities: The totality of activities is a characteristic of curriculum that refers
to the comprehensive and holistic nature of educational programs. It suggests that a
curriculum encompasses a wide range of activities, experiences, and components
designed to achieve educational goals.

It includes:

 Experiences and learning materials

 Other activities apart from academic
 Physical education
 Life skills
2. A means to an end: "A means to an end" is a characteristic of curriculum that highlights
the purpose of curriculum design and implementation. It suggests that curriculum is a
tool or a vehicle designed to achieve specific educational goals and outcomes.
Curriculum is not an end in itself; it is a means to achieve educational objectives. These
objectives can include knowledge acquisition, skill development, personal growth, and
societal preparation.
 There must be a check on the curriculum whether it fulfil the students’ requirements or
not. If not, change it.
 Curriculum development is an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation and
revision to ensure that it continues to serve its purpose effectively
3. Total school environment: It an important characteristic of curriculum that emphasizes
the influence and impact of the entire educational environment on the teaching and

Written and composed by |Safiullah| |BS English| |Northern University Nowshera|

Curriculum development

learning process. This characteristic acknowledges that the curriculum is not limited to
what happens in the classroom or in textbooks; it encompasses the broader context of
the school environment.

It includes:

 The physical setting of a school, including classrooms, libraries, laboratories,

recreational areas, and facilities, plays a crucial role in curriculum delivery.
 The school culture, values, and social dynamics
 The policies, rules, and procedures
 The availability and quality of educational resources, including textbooks, technology,
materials, and learning aids
4. Totality of experiences: The "totality of experience" is a characteristic of curriculum that
emphasizes the idea that education should encompass a wide range of experiences and
activities that contribute to a comprehensive and holistic learning journey. This
characteristic recognizes that learning is not limited to traditional classroom instruction
but should also include a diverse set of experiences.

It includes:

 Adaptability and Innovation

 The totality of experience approach aims to foster personal growth, character
development, and values education, helping students become well-rounded individuals.
 Learning experiences are designed to be relevant to real-life situations and future roles
as citizens, workers, and community members. Practical knowledge and life skills are
emphasized.
 Library experiences
 Playground experiences
 Formal experiences
5. Mirror of Educational trend: The mirror of educational trends in curriculum refers to the
practice of aligning educational curriculum with the current philosophies,
methodologies, and priorities in the field of education. This alignment ensures that
educational content and approaches are relevant and effective in meeting the needs and
goals of students and society at a given time.
It includes:

 Project-based learning
 Educational technology
 Digital resources
 21st Century Skills
6. Development of balance personality: It reflects the acknowledgment of the importance
of nurturing not only academic knowledge and skills but also the holistic development of
an individual's character, values, and well-being. A balanced personality encompasses
emotional, social, and ethical dimensions, and integrating this into a curriculum can have

Written and composed by |Safiullah| |BS English| |Northern University Nowshera|

Curriculum development

a profound impact on students' personal growth and their ability to thrive in various
aspects of life.
It includes:

 Character Education
 Social and Emotional Learning
 emotional intelligence
 self-awareness
 Wellness and Mental Health
 teaching strategies to cope with stress
 Conflict Resolution
 Community Engagement

Written and composed by |Safiullah| |BS English| |Northern University Nowshera|