Definition of Curriculum Paper Essay

In describing the definition of curriculum there are several definitions. It can be describe as a formal education, a planned interaction of pupils with structural content materials, the curriculum as resources and processes for evaluating the attainment of educational objectives and outcomes. Some Educators definition of curriculum is based on individual philosophical beliefs and the emphasis placed on specific aspects of education. The processes and experiences to facilitate learning for traditional and adult learners, resources used and the extent of responsibility for learning assumed by the teacher and the learner (Billings & Halstead, 2009). There are various types of curriculum such as, official operational, illegitimate and hidden curriculum. An official curriculum includes the stated curriculum framework with philosophy and mission with lists of outcomes, competencies and objectives. The illegitimate curriculum is know and actively taught by faculty yet not evaluated because descriptors of the behaviors are lacking, such as caring. The hidden curriculum consists of values and beliefs taught through verbal and nonverbal communication by the faculty. Faculty may be unaware of what is taught through expressions, priorities, and interactions with students (Billings & Halstead, 2009). Curriculum Focus My curriculum focus would be technical education curriculum geared towards knowledge and skill building to prepare for employability. The vocational and technical areas are great beginnings for those students with limited financial resources and primary educational training. The technical curriculum empowers students and encourages to be successful contributors for their communities. The need for technical trained personnel is  increasing and technical trained personnel are employed sooner than those graduating from college. There is an increasing need for colleges and technical training institutes to update their curriculum so that it reflects the growth in technology (Howell, 2005, para. 1). References Billings, D. M., & Halstead, J. A. (2009). Curriculum Development. In Teaching in Nursing: A Guide For Faculty (4th ed., pp. 75-83). Howell, R. (2005). Designing and Developing Technical Curriculum: Finding the Right Subject Matter Expert. Retrieved , from