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INTRODUCTION:
Over recent years the study of the curriculum has assumed importance in all fields of education. The school curriculum of a country reflects the traditions, philosophy, values and principles of the country and people. Curriculum planning and development has itself become a specialized area of education. A well planned and administered curriculum contributes to the development of the country and its people.
The term 'curriculum' is derived from the latin word "curre" which means 'run'. Thus curriculum mean s running race or course or 'runaway' for reaching a certain goal or destination as in a course of study1.
Pedagogically curriculum means the course of the studies to be pursued by the students or the content of education to be imparted through the organization of its entire work5.
DEFINTION:
In the words of Cunningham, "curriculum is in the hands of the artist (teacher) to mould his material (pupils) according to his ideals (aims and objectives) in his studio (school). This definition implies important role for the teacher in moulding the students, which gives a passive role to the students and it is the teacher who decide the aims and objectives of education1.
The secondary Education Commission Report (1952-53) states that the "curriculum includes all the totality of experiences that a pupil receives through the manifold activities that go on in the school, in the class room, library, laboratory, workshop, playground and in the numerous informal contacts between teachers and students"1,5.
Peynes' definition of curriculum is that "curriculum consists of all the situations that the school may select and consciously organize for the purpose of developing the personality of its pupils and for making behaviour changes in them"1.
CONCEPTS OF CURRICULUM:
The traditional concept of the curriculum represented the mastery over subjects, certain type of knowledge and skills, as the main objective of the educational programme. The teacher emphasized mastery over subject matter by the students according to a strict syllabus planned by the administrative system of the school. Passing of examination was the goal. The stress is on intellectual development, rather than on development of values1.
The need of learner was not taken into consideration in planning the curriculum. This type of curriculum is static and not adaptable to individual needs.
THE NEWER CONCEPTS OF...