Lesson 2: Concepts of Curriculum

Lesson Overview

This lesson introduces fundamental concepts in curriculum study: different definitions of curriculum, types of curriculum, Schwab’s idea of four commonplaces in education, and steps of curriculum analysis outlined by Posner (2003).

Lesson Objectives

Upon successful completion of this lesson, you will be able to

• describe three common definitions of curriculum
• describe different types of curriculum
• articulate their own theoretical and practical definition of curriculum that will assist their thinking about educational issues
• describe Schwab’s four commonplaces that shape curricular design and practice
• discuss the major steps involved in curriculum analysis; and
• identify a specific school curriculum program and begin the process of analyzing its content.

Lesson Readings & Activities

By the end of this lesson, make sure you have completed the readings and activities found in the Lesson 2 Course Schedule.