Curriculum Definitions, Forms, and Stances

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, forms, and stances of curriculum based on lecture notes and readings from Marsh & Willis (2003) and Glatthorn (2005).

Permanent Subjects Curriculum Definition

Marsh & Willis Definition 1: Curriculum is defined as such "permanent" subjects as grammar, reading, logic, rhetoric, mathematics, and the greatest books of the Western world that best embody essential knowledge.

Contemporary Living Curriculum Definition

Marsh & Willis Definition 2: Curriculum is defined as those subjects that are most useful for living in contemporary society.

Planned Learnings Curriculum Definition

Marsh & Willis Definition 3: Curriculum is defined as all planned learnings for which the school is responsible.

Guided Experiences Curriculum Definition

Marsh & Willis Definition 4: Curriculum is defined as all the experiences learners have under the guidance of the school.

Totality of Learning Experiences Curriculum Definition

Marsh & Willis Definition 5: Curriculum is defined as the totality of learning experiences provided to students so that they can attain general skills and knowledge at a variety of learning sites.

Technology-Constructed Curriculum Definition

Marsh & Willis Definition 6: Curriculum is defined as what the student constructs from working with the computer and its various networks, such as the Internet.

Questioning Authority Curriculum Definition

Marsh & Willis Definition 7: Curriculum is defined as the questioning of authority and the searching for complex views of human situations.

Living Experiences Curriculum Definition

Marsh & Willis Definition 8: Curriculum is defined as all the experiences that learners have in the course of living.

Planned Curriculum

A form of curriculum that is written, public, shared, and explicit. Prepared by administrators, curriculum directors, teachers, and local community; defined by its scope (what subjects/topics are to be taught) and sequence (when subjects/topics are to be covered); and formally assessed.

Hidden Curriculum

A form of curriculum that is covert, implied, and between the lines. It is taught by school organization, discipline, rewarded or punished behaviors, competition, student-teacher interactions, seating arrangements, attendance policies, and wall displays.

Physical Curriculum

A form of curriculum consisting of tangible resources and environments, including textbooks, reading books, library holdings, purchased programs (like Every Day Math), hardware, software, Canvas, the Internet, playgrounds, cafeterias, and gyms.

Student-Determined Enrichment Curriculum

A curriculum stance by Glatthorn (2005) characterized by Low Importance and Low Structure. Generated organically and tethered to students' specific interests, it is informal and unrelated to mastery unless chosen by students. Associated with Progressivism and Humanism.

Team-Determined Enrichment Curriculum

A curriculum stance by Glatthorn (2005) characterized by Low Importance and High Structure. A rigid, set curriculum designed by teachers, administrators, or policy makers that emphasizes basic skills and knowledge. It is the most common form of curriculum and is associated with Essentialism and Behaviorism.

Organic Curriculum

A curriculum stance by Glatthorn (2005) characterized by High Importance and Low Structure. It is open-ended and guided by students' choices, where learning is nurtured by teachers acting as coaches. Associated with Progressivism and Constructivism.

Mastery Curriculum

A curriculum stance by Glatthorn (2005) characterized by High Importance and High Structure. Standardized across districts and states with scope and sequence planning, it is designed to promote meaningful transcendent understanding. Associated with Positivism and Essentialism.

Frayer Diagram Definition of Curriculum

An outline to provide a well-rounded education to students through lessons. Key characteristics include flexible, ever-changing, organized, guided, covert, and overt.