Definitions of Curriculum (EDFD 440)

McNeil (2008)

A course of study or plan for what is to be taught in an educational institution

Wiles and Bondi (2015)

A desired goal or set of values that can be activated through a development process, culminating in experiences for learners. The degree to which those experiences are a true representation of the envisioned goal or goals is a direct function of the effectiveness of the curriculum development efforts.

Armstrong (1989)

A master plan for selecting content and organizing learning experiences for the purpose of changing and developing learners' behaviors and insights.

Saylor, Alexander, and Lewis (1981)

A plan for providing sets of learning opportunities to achieve broad goals and related specific objectives for an identifiable population served by a single school center.

Gagne (1967)

A sequence of content units arranged in such a way that the learning of each unit may be accomplished as a single act, provided the capabilities described by specified prior units (in the sequence) have already been mastered by the learner.

Johnson (1967)

A structured series of intended learning outcomes "No educational experience until the individual actually interacts with the content in some type of environment"

Hass (1987)

All of the experiences that individual learners have in a program of education whose purpose is to achieve broad goals and related specific objectives, which is planned in terms of a framework of theory and research or past and present professional practice.

Tyler (1957)

All of the learning of students, which is planned by and directed by the school to attain its educational goals.

Hunkin (1980)

All the activities necessary for the creation and utilization of a curriculum-instructional plan. The plan that is the visible curriculum designed for student learnings, possesses the major components of contents, experiences, and environments organized as to assist students in achieving most optimally the goals and objectives designated by the total community and students.

Popham and Baker (1970)

All the planned learning outcomes for which the school is responsible. Refers to the desired consequences of instruction

Caswell and Campbell (1935)

Composed of all of the experiences children have under the guidance of teachers.

Taba (1962)

Composed of certain elements. Usually contains a statement of aims and of specific objectives; indicated some selection and organization of content; either implies or manifests certain patterns of learning and teacher, whether because the objectives demand them or because the content organization requires them; includes a program of evaluation of the outcomes.

Dewey (1902)

Continuous reconstruction, moving from the child's present experience out into that represented by the organized bodies of truth that we call studies... the various studies... are themselves experience - They are that of the race.

Harnack (1968)

Embodies all the teaching-learning experiences guided and directed by the school

Bobbitt (1918)

Entire range of experiences, both directed and undirected, concerned in unfolding the abilities of the individual

Olivia (1988)

Perceived as a plan or program for all the experiences which the learner encounters under the direction of the school

Tanner and Tanner (1980)

Planned and guided learning experiences and intended learning outcomes, formulated through the systematic reconstruction of knowledge and experience, under the auspices of the school for the learner's continuous and willful growth in personal-social competence

Thompson and Greg (1997)

Primary vehicle for achieving the goals and objectives of its school. Embraces every planned aspect of a school's educational program.

Oliver (1977)

The educational program of the school and is divided into 4 basic elements 1. Program of studies 2. Program of experiences 3. Program of service 4. Hidden curriculum

Doll (1989)

The formal and informal content and process by which learners gain knowledge and understanding, develop skills, and alter attitudes, appreciations, and values under the auspices of that school