The term “curriculum” in education refers to all the courses and learning exercises that a student must complete in order to meet specific learning objectives. There are various curriculum styles that teachers employ when instructing students, and these can be broadly divided into seven groups. These consist of the planned curriculum, written curriculum, taught curriculum, supported curriculum, assessed curriculum, learned curriculum, and hidden curriculum.
The curriculum that will be covered in a particular course or program is outlined in the planned curriculum, which is created by the teacher or school administration. On the other hand, the written curriculum is the official record of the intended curriculum, which includes the objectives, benchmarks, and learning outcomes. The instruction that takes place in the classroom is known as the taught curriculum. The resources and materials offered to support the learning process, such as textbooks, technology, and other materials, are referred to as the supported curriculum.
Exams, quizzes, and other forms of evaluation are all considered part of the curriculum that is being evaluated. The curriculum that pupils actually learn, as opposed to the learning objectives that were set forth, is known as the learned curriculum. Last but not least, the term “hidden curriculum” refers to the unofficial or implicit learning that kids pick up from their surroundings at school, such as attitudes, values, and social standards.
A framework for measuring a curriculum’s efficacy is the CIPP Model of Curriculum Evaluation. Context, Input, Process, and Product are its letters. The term “context” refers to the outside elements, such as the social, economic, and political climate, that have an impact on the curriculum. The term “input” refers to the tools and resources, including technology, textbooks, and other materials, that are used to create the curriculum. The actual teaching and learning activities that take place in the classroom are referred to as the “process.” The term “product” refers to the pupils’ academic successes and learning results.
Regarding the issue of Ralph Tyler being regarded as the father of curriculum, there is broad consensus on this point. The ideas of curriculum design were created by American educator Tyler, and they are still in use today.
Numerous businesses, including education and corporate training, employ thousands of instructional designers in the United States. There are tens of thousands of instructional designers in the US alone, however the precise number is unknown.
Finally, a person’s employment goals and aspirations will determine if a degree in instructional design is worthwhile. A degree can be highly beneficial in helping someone get the information and skills necessary for success in the field of instructional design if they are interested in pursuing a career in this area. However, there are other ways as well, like self-study or on-the-job training, to acquire expertise and abilities in instructional design. In the end, it is up to the person to decide if going to school is the right course of action for them.
Effective curriculum must be developed by instructional designers in K–12 education in order to suit students’ learning needs. To develop interesting and fulfilling learning opportunities that are in line with academic standards and learning objectives, they collaborate closely with teachers, administrators, and subject matter experts. In order to support students’ learning and achievement, this includes choosing the right instructional tactics, tools, and assessment techniques. In order to make sure that the curriculum is producing the expected results and making the required adjustments when necessary, instructional designers may also be involved in curriculum assessment utilizing models like the CIPP model.