Planning and Teaching a Curriculum

Teaching is an art that takes place in a scientific way . A curriculum is a soul of teaching. Kerr defines curriculum as "all the learning which is planned and guided by the school, whether it is carried on in groups or individually, inside or outside of school."

Educationists introduced different types of curriculum which go hand in hand with planning when its teaching is the objective of a teacher. The kinds are described as follows:

Formal Curriculum
UNESCO's International Bureau of Education defines:
"The learning experiences and opportunities that are provided to learners in the context of formal education and serve as a basis for certification processes."
The learning experiences and opportunities that are provided to learners in the context of formal education and serve as a basis for certification processes.
A teacher plans a formal curriculum that has been provided to him/her by the government or any other authority. He/she follows the given curriculum in the class e.g. The History of Pakistan. It is expected that a teacher must deliver the lectures according to the syllabus and course book. Teaching outside of the curriculum is not welcomed as the teacher is bound to remain in the jurisdiction of the prescribed and authorized curriculum. As far as curriculum planning is concerned, a teacher makes daily or weekly lesson plans, chapter wise or topic wise. A good lesson has methodologies of teaching , time duration, names of material to be used etc. In order to become effective teacher/facilitator, it is necessary to plan for classroom management so that the curriculum can be fully covered within the given course time duration . Both physical and mental presence must be assured to expedite the learning process. A mismanaged class is always an obstacle.

Informal Curriculum
It refers to learning outside the classroom environment e.g. playing at grounds, visiting organizations, watching videos, reading articles, joining forums, google classroom, using Chat GPT etc.
Informal curriculum can be implemented through a good planning. A teacher has knowledge of different teaching techniques to make the lecture effective . For this, he/she can use latest technologies like interactive whiteboard and even VR glasses. Brainstorming, discussion, educational games etc. effectively and productively help him in achieving the goals of informal curriculum. Google classroom, web-based activities like worksheets and now Chat GPT of Artificial Intelligence are beneficial at all. But first,before teaching, he/she must plan to arrange the required tools for the class.Moreover, a teacher should be well-aware of the background of each student. He/she must know which tool and method is best for a specific topic e.g. a geography class needs video clips along the reading materials.
For student-centered teaching, making a pair or small groups of students help them involve in learning process. It qualifies the notion that two minds are always better.
Inductive teaching has great role in quick learning that results in retention. First presenting examples or objects of learning to the students then explaining and concluding keep the students attentive , captivated and motivated . In short, auditory, visual and kinesthetic methodologies must be followed.

Hidden Curriculum
Hidden curriculum is a complex, sensitive and critical issue that needs special attention and implementation. Let's assume a teacher has to deal with some students who bully a student of the class, but without consulting the administration and without disturbing the whole class. For this, quoting a saying, showing a moral clip, telling a story with a lesson, doing an activity of behaviour e.g. playing peacefully, mutual cooperation, feeling hurt, even giving a indirect hint of punishment etc. Here arises a question , how to plan before implemention. First, the teacher has to decide on the day of action. It can be a less busy day in order to avoid time loss. He/she must make sure the two parties are present in the class. Both are attentive as well and at least the mischievous group is unaware of the upcoming teacher's actions. This is an indirect approach. To make it useful, the tools to be used are already arranged and are working well e.g. video screen.