Curriculum Vs Syllabus: Every student in his or her student life has heard of these two terms. They are – Syllabus and Curriculum. Though they may indicate a similar thing in the literal meaning, these two words’ intention is different.
A syllabus consists of a subject that is to be taught in one term or semester and a detailed explanation of the topics covered in the subject.
The general understanding of a curriculum can be a little confusing. To put it simply, a curriculum is the base outline of any educational content. While the syllabus is descriptive, the curriculum is prescriptive. What does it prescribe? It prescribes the object of an educational system, while the syllabus shows the way to achieve them.
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Only education is not related to the curriculum. Some extra activities and all the academic contents can also be part of a curriculum. However, it depends on the governing organization.
The small difference between these two Curriculum & Syllabus is the syllabus is directed to a particular subject and its topics. Simultaneously, the curriculum is directed towards the broader picture – all the subjects and the other activities in an academic course (if any).
This Blog Includes:
- Definition of Syllabus
- What is The Purpose of the Syllabus?
- Definition of Curriculum
- Types of Curriculum
- What is The Purpose of Curriculum?
- Difference Between Syllabus and Curriculum
- Comparison Chart of Syllabus Vs Curriculum
- FAQ’s on Curriculum Vs Syllabus
Definition of Syllabus
A syllabus is a document that consists of a subject and the topics related to the subject. If a student is studying in an autonomous institute, the syllabus is designed by the institute. Otherwise, the syllabus is created by the examination board with the help of the professors.
The professors determine quality. And in the end, it is made available to the students by their respective institutions. In modern times, syllabuses are designed in hard copy and electronic copies.
Some may question what the relevance of the syllabus in the presence of the curriculum is. Well, the syllabus works as a guide to the students for getting an insight into the topics. It also consists of the expected assignments, tests, projects, general rules, and failure consequences.
The syllabus thus gives detailed instruction and contents of respective subjects.
What is The Purpose of the Syllabus?
- A mutual understanding of the subjects between students and teachers.
- Having a goal in mind and setting a responsible expectation of concepts to grasp and learn.
- Providing a detailed roadmap of the course institute.
- Gaining knowledge through the study of subjects.
- Meeting the student expectation judging their age level.
Definition of Curriculum
The curriculum is the guideline of the chapters and all the educational content following a particular program or course. Some think that the curriculum is served by the school or college. In reality and practical sense, the curriculum serves a broader spectrum.
It consists of the knowledge, behaviour, performance, attitude, and skill expected of a student. It also covers the teaching methods, mental exercises, assignments, study resources, tutorials, presentations, and learning objectives.
The curriculum is well planned and designed by the regulatory body of an institution. It benefits the student both mentally and physically. The learning curve a student would go through depends solely on the curriculum.
Types of Curriculum
There are various types of curriculum. Some are:
- Explicit Curriculum: A formal curriculum that includes specific procedures and ways for exemplary implementation.
- Hidden Curriculum: This does not include any intended outcomes because it results from the application of the explicit curriculum.
- Excluded Curriculum: It has a relationship with what is not taught in the course.
What is The Purpose of Curriculum?
According to the experts, the curriculum’s purpose relies on making today’s students the future asset. Some of the core motives and intent of the curriculum is to build-
- Successful learners: building enthusiasm and motivation in the students. Students should develop new ideas and have a unique thinking calibre.
- Confident individual: Students should develop self-respect and a healthy sense of physical and emotional well-being. Students should be self-aware and pursue a healthy and responsible lifestyle.
- Responsible citizens: Students should respect others. They should commit to taking an active part in political, social, economic, and cultural life shortly or when needed. They should learn about the world and different beliefs and cultural policies.
- Effective contributors: Students should grow up to be good communicators. Making sure they can work in teams and work alone too. They should be able to communicate and adjust to different settings.
Relationship Between Curriculum and Syllabus | Similarities Between Curriculum vs Syllabus
- Both the curriculum and syllabus are related to the concept of teaching.
- Both curriculum and syllabus provide strong guidelines.
- The first provides the outline of the whole course.
- The second provides the policies of a particular subject referred to in the curriculum.
- Both are equally important in the holistic development of a student.
Difference Between Syllabus and Curriculum
| Syllabus | Curriculum |
| The syllabus is a part of a curriculum. The syllabus is more about a particular subject and the containing details of it. A well-constructed syllabus helps a student have a more in-depth look into the topics’ depths and help him/her be well prepared for exams. | The curriculum includes the overall content of a course of study during a specific amount of time. It consists of all sorts of things relevant to the system. It is not only directed towards the students but also to the teachers. |
| The syllabus is all about the description of the topics, so it is generally descriptive, and as the curriculum provides the basic outline of a course, it is prescriptive. | The examination governing body determines a curriculum of a course. Usually, this control relies on state government or central government. At the same time, the syllabus is designed with the help of knowledgeable professors of institutions. |
| Change in the syllabus is standard and not so much intricate work. The syllabus changes overtime to catch up to the new topics and subjects. The governing bodies also do it, but in the autonomous institution, usually, teachers are responsible for this. | Adjustments to the curriculum are quite tricky as it serves a wide area, so one has to go to the root to change something in a curriculum, which can be pretty hectic, by the way. This scope is not available to others and only open to the higher-ups. |
| The syllabus is fixed for a specific term or semester. A curriculum ends when the course ends. | Accessibility is another thing that is different for these two. Usually, the curriculum is not accessible to the students. Students are only allowed to access the syllabus of an ongoing course. Though there are some exceptions, teachers can access the syllabus and the curriculum in most cases. |
| The syllabus is different from student to student and teacher to teacher. As every student in a course does not study the same subjects, and each teacher also does not teach the same subjects, it is evident that the syllabus will differ. | Things are different for the curriculum, though. As long as a course lasts, It is the same for every teacher as well as students. |
Comparison Chart
| BASIS FOR COMPARISON | SYLLABUS | CURRICULUM |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Syllabus is the document that contains all the portion of the concepts covered in a subject. | Curriculum is the overall content, taught in an educational system or a course. |
| Origin | Syllabus is a Greek term. | Curriculum is a Latin term. |
| Set for | A subject | A course |
| Nature | Descriptive | Prescriptive |
| Scope | Narrow | Wide |
| Set out by | Exam board | Government or the administration of the school, college, or institute. |
| Term | For a fixed term, normally a year. | Till the course lasts. |
| Uniformity | Varies from teacher to teacher. | Same for all teachers. |
FAQ’s on Curriculum Vs Syllabus
Question 1.
Is the syllabus a part of the curriculum?
Answer:
A Syllabus is a unit of curriculum. The curriculum consists of many factors that define an educational course. The syllabus only covers the topics of a particular subject. Since detailing a subject falls under an academic system, you may call the syllabus a part of the curriculum.
Question 2.
How both syllabus and curriculum are designed?
Answer:
some teachers mainly design syllabus. Teachers take care of the topics related to the subject. The curriculum is designed by mainly exam control board. It means it is governed by the same organization that creates the terminal examinations in the school and colleges.
Question 3.
What is a Textbook?
Answer:
It is generally a book for guidance. Students take help from textbooks to better understand topics referred to in the syllabus. Usually, a reader should have an excellent and student-friendly presentation to grasp the concepts of an issue.
Question 4.
Can the curriculum change?
Answer:
Yes, the curriculum can change, but it is not what one sees very often to happen. The curriculum can vary due to various reasons. But the primary reason is to improve the all-around educational approach. This includes teaching approaches, followed sources, and so on.
Question 5.
What is the meaning of the revised syllabus and revised curriculum?
Answer:
A revised curriculum means restructuring a curriculum based on the students’ skills and their needs and abilities. A revised syllabus means making changes in the current syllabus, either adding, removing, or updating it. The Syllabus change is more often than curriculum change.
FAQs
What is the differences between the curriculum and the syllabus? ›
1. The curriculum is a general, standardized description for the main study units of the educational institution. Beyond the study program or course, It may even relate to the whole university. On the contrary, Syllabus is a detailed content plan for a particular subject.
What is your idea on the difference between syllabus design and curriculum development? ›Syllabus is only provided for a year while the curriculum covers the whole course. Curriculum contains all the subjects and outlines how they will be studied during the course while syllabus is more detailed version for each subject under the course.
What are the similarities and the differences between syllabus and curriculum? ›Curriculum is superset of syllabus. Curriculum gives birth to various syllabi. The similarity between the school curriculum and a syllabus is that both are outlines. A school curriculum is an outline of courses specific to a study whereas a syllabus outlines a specific study of a course.
What is the relation between curriculum and syllabus? ›Syllabus is the document that contains all the portion of the concepts covered in a subject. Curriculum is the overall content, taught in an educational system or a course. Syllabus is a Greek term.
What is curriculum explain its need and importance also differentiate it from syllabus? ›Main Difference – Curriculum vs Syllabus
Syllabus is the focused outline of a subject. Therefore, the main difference between curriculum and syllabus is that curriculum is a set of guidelines set out for educators whereas a syllabus is a more descriptive list of concepts that are to be taught in a class.
The syllabi given to you by your teachers are the written curriculum. When your teachers start to teach, that is a taught curriculum. And when they ask you to use the internet and search for information about a given topic, this is a supported curriculum.
What is the difference between curriculum syllabus and scheme of work? ›A SCHEME OF WORK is designed around the syllabus, but it is more detailed. So if the syllabus states that the course is made up of 10 modules. There should be a scheme of work for each module.
What is the similarities between syllabus and scheme of work? ›A syllabus is derived from the curriculum. It is about that list of topics to be taught and learned for a specific period or programme, while scheme of work is drawn from the syllabus and broken into pieces to be taken on a termly basis. The lesson plan is a further breaking down of work to be done.
What is the difference between a curriculum and a program? ›Different degree or diploma courses available in various streams of study are labeled as programs, whereas as the content that is used to make up these study programs and the way it is administered is called curriculum.
What is the difference between curriculum and lesson plans? ›Answer and Explanation: The relationship between curriculum and lesson plans is that curriculum is made up of many individual lesson plans. Curriculum is the entirety of the content that will be delivered in a course and the methods by which teachers will instruct their students.
What is syllabus and example? ›
4. The definition of a syllabus is a summary of what will be covered in a course of study. An example of a syllabus is what a college professor hands out to his students on the first day of class. noun. 17.
What do you mean by curriculum? ›Curriculum is a standards-based sequence of planned experiences where students practice and achieve proficiency in content and applied learning skills. Curriculum is the central guide for all educators as to what is essential for teaching and learning, so that every student has access to rigorous academic experiences.
What are the characteristics of a syllabus? ›- An Introductory paragraph that tells the student what the class is about. ...
- Explicitly list the pedagogical goals for the course. ...
- Types of assignments and their “weight” in the overall course grade. ...
- A class calendar with reading assignments, course subtopics, due dates for assignments.
A SCHEME OF WORK is designed around the syllabus, but it is more detailed. So if the syllabus states that the course is made up of 10 modules. There should be a scheme of work for each module.
What is the difference between syllabi and syllabus? ›“Syllabi” is the plural form of the word “syllabus.” The dictionary meaning of “syllabus” is: A summary or outline of the main points of focus of a lecture, course of study, or text. In law it means a short statement that is presented for any adjudicated case which contains a summary of all the points involved.
What type of curriculum is syllabus? ›The syllabi given to you by your teachers are the written curriculum. When your teachers start to teach, that is a taught curriculum. And when they ask you to use the internet and search for information about a given topic, this is a supported curriculum.
What is this syllabus? ›A syllabus a requisite document for teaching in that it serves to outline the basic elements of a course including what topics will be covered, a weekly schedule, and a list of tests, assignments, and their associated weightings.
What is difference between curriculum and syllabus PDF? ›Main Difference – Curriculum vs Syllabus
Syllabus is the focused outline of a subject. Therefore, the main difference between curriculum and syllabus is that curriculum is a set of guidelines set out for educators whereas a syllabus is a more descriptive list of concepts that are to be taught in a class.
What are the three models of curriculum design? There are three models of curriculum design: subject-centered, learner-centered, and problem-centered design. Subject-centered curriculum design revolves around a particular subject matter or discipline, such as mathematics, literature or biology.
What is the difference between a curriculum and a program? ›Different degree or diploma courses available in various streams of study are labeled as programs, whereas as the content that is used to make up these study programs and the way it is administered is called curriculum.
What is the difference between a syllabus? ›
...
Comparison Chart.
| Basis for Comparison | Syllabus | Curriculum |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Syllabus is a Greek term. | Curriculum is a Latin term. |
| Set for | A subject | A course |
| Nature | Descriptive | Prescriptive |
| Scope | Narrow | Wide |
A syllabus is a document that outlines all the essential information about a college course. It lists the topics you will study, as well as the due dates of any coursework including tests, quizzes, or exams. Your professors will give you a syllabus for each of your college classes.
How do you use syllabus and syllabi? ›Syllabuses & Syllabi
Both forms of the plural are acceptable, although people might look askance at you if you use syllabi. The people who say "syllabi" are probably the same people who use two spaces after a period.
4. The definition of a syllabus is a summary of what will be covered in a course of study. An example of a syllabus is what a college professor hands out to his students on the first day of class. noun. 17.
What is the importance of curriculum? ›An effective curriculum provides teachers, students, school leaders and community stakeholders with a measurable plan and structure for delivering a quality education. The curriculum identifies the learning outcomes, standards and core competencies that students must demonstrate before advancing to the next level.
What is an example of a curriculum? ›An individual teacher's curriculum, for example, would be the specific learning standards, lessons, assignments, and materials used to organize and teach a particular course.
What is a syllabus simple definition? ›A syllabus (/ˈsɪləbəs/; plural syllabuses or syllabi) or specification is a document that communicates information about an academic course or class and defines expectations and responsibilities. It is generally an overview or summary of the curriculum.
What are the characteristics of a syllabus? ›- An Introductory paragraph that tells the student what the class is about. ...
- Explicitly list the pedagogical goals for the course. ...
- Types of assignments and their “weight” in the overall course grade. ...
- A class calendar with reading assignments, course subtopics, due dates for assignments.
- Learning Objectives. What students will gain or take away from your course. ...
- Goal/Rationale. ...
- Basic Information. ...
- Course Content. ...
- Student Responsibilities. ...
- Grading Method. ...
- Materials and Access. ...
- Teaching Philosophy.