Focus 1

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 However, there is no ‘right’ definition to correctly define what exactly
the word ‘curriculum’ means. The meaning can change as dependent
upon one’s situation and purpose.
 Explicit Curricula

“ The behaviour, attitudes, and knowledge that a school

intends to teach students.”
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 Hidden Curricula

“Represents behaviours, attitudes, and knowledge that

the school unintentionally teaches the students.”

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 Examples of Hidden Curriculum:
Good Bad
Responsibility Procrastination
Communication Dislike for learning/school
Organization Unorganized
Respect Attitude
Cooperation Defiance
 Null Curricula

“The intellectual processes and subject content that

schools don’t teach.”

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 Extracurricular/Co-Curricular Curricula

“When activities are seen as additional to their academic studies

then they are seen as extracurricular.”

“When activities are seen as having important educational goals

(not just extra activities) then they are seen as co-curricular.”

Although these two phrases mean something slightly different, they are both
commonly used to describe the same thing.
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Subject-Based vs Student-Based Curricula
“Subject-Centred Curriculum places primary emphasis on the logical
order of the discipline students are to study. Teachers of such a
curriculum are content-area experts (subject-matter) and is primarily
concerned with helping students understand facts, laws, and principles
of the discipline.”

“Student-Centred Curriculum also teaches content but it has greater

concern for students, their needs, and emphasize growth and
development of students.”
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 Integrated Curricula

“Integrated Curriculum draws from several different subject areas

and focuses on a theme or concept rather than one single subject.”

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 Interdisciplinary

Multidisciplinary
Transdisciplinary
 Focus 2

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Social Issues and Changing Values
Both current Social Issues and Changing Values are one of the heaviest influencers on what a teachers curriculum is going to
look like. If you as a teacher are not adjusting your teachings to coincide with what the rest of the world is doing, then you are
failing to provide your students with the best possible education available. It is important to address Social Issues in the world
because it informs your students on the topics and makes them feel like they are part of the conversation. Values are super
important as they state what people to believe is right and wrong. If you ignore these values, you are impeding on the beliefs of
others on what education should be. Like inclusive learning, arts being just as important as academics, or even things like
having available resources to help special needs students.

Different examples of various Values and Issues come from:

● Educational Theories
● Teachers’ Education Philosophies
● Various Population changes, Cultural Issues and Religious values
● Diversity within Canadian population
● Equality between sexes and races
● World events
● And more
As a teacher, you must also be aware of the various Councils, Boards and Federations that play a role in education. All of
these different groups that have specific beliefs and expectations of what teachers are required to teach their students. Due
to the fact that these boards are essentially in charge of what education looks like, they have a lot of sway over the final
result. These groups are very important factors in your development of the curriculum, and your teaching career in general.

For Example: The Canadian Teachers’ Federation believes that education must provide on all basis through elementary
and secondary schools programs with the following:

● Develop the intellectual, aesthetic, physical, emotional, and ethical capacities of each student.
● Prepare students to become responsible and productive members of society.
● Provide opportunities for students to learn about Canadian history, literature, culture, government and
heritage.
● Enable students to learn about the global community, and about Canada’s place within.
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