Title: The five (5) characteristics of a curriculum
In education settings, a curriculum is broadly defined as the totality of student experiences
that occur in the educational process. The term often refers specifically to a planned sequence
of instruction, or to a view of the student's experiences in terms of the educator's or schools
instructional goals (Farrant, 1980). A Curriculum is a plan that centres on what will be taught,
who will be taught and how the material that will be taught to the leaners. According to CDC
(1993:209) a curriculum is defined as “all the planned learning opportunities offered to
learners by the educational institution and the experiences learners encounter when the
curriculum is implemented.” In Zambia all schools follow a well laid down curriculum that
outlines all the methods of how content is to be taught in both primary and secondary
schools. This academic study analyses the five (5) characteristics of a curriculum.
According to Rowntree,(1982:11). “a curriculum refers to the overall plan and structure of an
educational program or course of study.” It encompasses the learning goals, objectives,
content, instructional methods, and assessment strategies that are used to guide and shape the
educational experience. In simple terms, it outlines what students will learn, how they will
learn it, and how their progress will be evaluated. A curriculum can be designed for different
levels of education, such as primary, secondary, or higher education, and it varies based on
the specific subject or field of study. It serves as a blueprint for educators, helping them
deliver a cohesive and meaningful learning experience to students.
Relevance is one of the characteristics of a curriculum. A curriculum should be relevant to
the needs and interests of the learners. One practical example is that, a science curriculum
may include topics related to environmental conservation to address current global concerns.
If there is need to conserve wildlife and natural resources to prevent climate change, then
such must be included in a curriculum.
The curriculum must be relevant so that it Guides Teaching and Learning. A well-designed
curriculum provides a clear roadmap for both educators and learners. It outlines the learning
objectives, content, and instructional strategies that ensure students receive a well-rounded
education. It helps teachers plan their lessons effectively, ensuring essential topics are
covered and learning goals are met.
1
, The second characteristic of a curriculum is that it must be Flexibility. A curriculum should
allow for adaptation and customization based on the diverse needs of learners. For instance, a
language curriculum may provide options for learners to choose between different genres like
poetry or prose based on their preferences. A good curriculum must meet the needs of the
Students. it should be student-centered. More than likely, classrooms will contain a diverse
blend of student achievement strengths and weaknesses. The curriculum should be flexible
enough to differentiate and support the learning of each student. There is no one-size-fits-all
curriculum for all students, and as such, it should include both a focus on developing
fundamental skills and concepts as well as incorporation of advanced ideas and learning
opportunities that can satisfy diversity (Cole, 2003).
Flexibility is a major characteristic on a curriculum it gives room for continued improvement:
A curriculum should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect advances in knowledge,
changes in societal needs, and feedback from teachers, students, and stakeholders.
Continuous improvement ensures the curriculum remains relevant and effective over time
(Brady, 1992).
It must be Adaptable and should allow for flexibility and adaptation to meet the diverse needs
of learners. It should accommodate different learning styles, abilities, and cultural
backgrounds, providing opportunities for customization and differentiation
The third characteristic of a curriculum is that a curriculum must be organised and coherent.
A curriculum should be structured and organized in a logical sequence, ensuring smooth
progression of knowledge and skills. For example in a mathematics curriculum, concepts like
addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are introduced gradually, building upon
each other.
A standardized curriculum ensures consistency in what students learn, regardless of the
school or educator. It establishes a baseline for quality education and helps maintain uniform
standards across different classrooms, schools, districts, or even countries. This consistency
ensures that students acquire essential knowledge and skills (Bishop, 1985).
2
In education settings, a curriculum is broadly defined as the totality of student experiences
that occur in the educational process. The term often refers specifically to a planned sequence
of instruction, or to a view of the student's experiences in terms of the educator's or schools
instructional goals (Farrant, 1980). A Curriculum is a plan that centres on what will be taught,
who will be taught and how the material that will be taught to the leaners. According to CDC
(1993:209) a curriculum is defined as “all the planned learning opportunities offered to
learners by the educational institution and the experiences learners encounter when the
curriculum is implemented.” In Zambia all schools follow a well laid down curriculum that
outlines all the methods of how content is to be taught in both primary and secondary
schools. This academic study analyses the five (5) characteristics of a curriculum.
According to Rowntree,(1982:11). “a curriculum refers to the overall plan and structure of an
educational program or course of study.” It encompasses the learning goals, objectives,
content, instructional methods, and assessment strategies that are used to guide and shape the
educational experience. In simple terms, it outlines what students will learn, how they will
learn it, and how their progress will be evaluated. A curriculum can be designed for different
levels of education, such as primary, secondary, or higher education, and it varies based on
the specific subject or field of study. It serves as a blueprint for educators, helping them
deliver a cohesive and meaningful learning experience to students.
Relevance is one of the characteristics of a curriculum. A curriculum should be relevant to
the needs and interests of the learners. One practical example is that, a science curriculum
may include topics related to environmental conservation to address current global concerns.
If there is need to conserve wildlife and natural resources to prevent climate change, then
such must be included in a curriculum.
The curriculum must be relevant so that it Guides Teaching and Learning. A well-designed
curriculum provides a clear roadmap for both educators and learners. It outlines the learning
objectives, content, and instructional strategies that ensure students receive a well-rounded
education. It helps teachers plan their lessons effectively, ensuring essential topics are
covered and learning goals are met.
1
, The second characteristic of a curriculum is that it must be Flexibility. A curriculum should
allow for adaptation and customization based on the diverse needs of learners. For instance, a
language curriculum may provide options for learners to choose between different genres like
poetry or prose based on their preferences. A good curriculum must meet the needs of the
Students. it should be student-centered. More than likely, classrooms will contain a diverse
blend of student achievement strengths and weaknesses. The curriculum should be flexible
enough to differentiate and support the learning of each student. There is no one-size-fits-all
curriculum for all students, and as such, it should include both a focus on developing
fundamental skills and concepts as well as incorporation of advanced ideas and learning
opportunities that can satisfy diversity (Cole, 2003).
Flexibility is a major characteristic on a curriculum it gives room for continued improvement:
A curriculum should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect advances in knowledge,
changes in societal needs, and feedback from teachers, students, and stakeholders.
Continuous improvement ensures the curriculum remains relevant and effective over time
(Brady, 1992).
It must be Adaptable and should allow for flexibility and adaptation to meet the diverse needs
of learners. It should accommodate different learning styles, abilities, and cultural
backgrounds, providing opportunities for customization and differentiation
The third characteristic of a curriculum is that a curriculum must be organised and coherent.
A curriculum should be structured and organized in a logical sequence, ensuring smooth
progression of knowledge and skills. For example in a mathematics curriculum, concepts like
addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are introduced gradually, building upon
each other.
A standardized curriculum ensures consistency in what students learn, regardless of the
school or educator. It establishes a baseline for quality education and helps maintain uniform
standards across different classrooms, schools, districts, or even countries. This consistency
ensures that students acquire essential knowledge and skills (Bishop, 1985).
2
