Three Ways of Approaching a Curriculum | Free LET Reviewer and Drill

The Teacher and The School Curriculum 

 Lesson 5: Three Ways of Approaching a Curriculum

1. Curriculum as a Content or Body of Knowledge

•         It focuses what students should learn (the knowledge to be taught).
•      Teachers adjust lessons based on what students can handle, making information easier or harder as needed.
•       Example: Giving books or materials that match each student’s reading level.

When we say curriculum as a content or body of knowledge, we are talking about the information and lessons that students are expected to learn in school. It is like the “what” of teaching the subjects, topics, and facts that need to be taught. Teachers play an important role here because not all students learn at the same pace. A good teacher knows how to adjust the lesson depending on what the students can handle. If the topic is too difficult, the teacher can make it simpler with examples. If the students are ready for more, the teacher can make it more challenging.

2. Curriculum as a Process

• It focuses what happens in the classroom, how learning takes place.
• Students learn in different ways, so teachers use various methods or activities to help them understand the topic.
• Example: One group gets direct instruction, while another works together in a group activity.

When we see curriculum as a process, the focus is not just on what students should learn, but on how they actually learn inside the classroom. It is about the experiences, activities, and interactions that happen between teachers and students. For example, two classes may both study the same topic in science, but the way they learn it can be very different. One teacher may use experiments, another may use group discussions, and another may use storytelling. This view of curriculum recognizes that students do not all learn in the same way. Some understand better through hands‑on activities, others through visuals, and some through listening and discussion. That is why teachers use different methods to make sure the lesson reaches everyone.

3. Curriculum as a Product

• It focuses on results or learning outcomes, what students are able to do after learning.
• Teachers design tasks like exams, projects, or written work that fit each learner’s needs, level, and independence.
• Examples:
• Giving assignments suited to the learner’s level
• Letting students work alone or in groups
• Using rubrics that match each student’s abilities

When we see curriculum as a product, the focus is on the results of learning. In other words, it is not just about what is taught or how it is taught, but about what students are actually able to do after the lesson. For example, after a science lesson, the goal may be that students can explain how plants grow. After a math lesson, the goal may be that they can solve word problems on their own. These results are called learning outcomes. To check if students have reached these outcomes, teachers design different tasks such as exams, projects, or written work. These tasks are adjusted to match the needs and level of the learners. For instance, one student may show understanding through a written essay, while another may do better with a hands‑on project. The important thing is that the product of learning the skills, knowledge, or abilities can be clearly seen.

Three Ways of Approaching a Curriculum Quiz: click here

“If you truly understand, comment your reflection in at least 3-5 sentences or more about this lesson.”
With God’s grace, you’ll surely pass the upcoming board exam! 🙏

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