What difference is there in Curricula, Syllabus and Textbooks:

 

There are many words that we often use in the context of children's education, for example, we say that the course is for children, and we say that it is old syllabus, then we say that a new curriculum is being developed for schools. The reason is that the terms syllabus and course are used every day and we usually use the terms syllabus sometimes  and course book for sometimes without any reference to the meaning of these two  terms. What do these terms mean? They are synonymous or their meanings change according to the occasion.

Below is the meaning of all of them has been explained.

 

SYLLABUS

 

It is a list of subject topics prepared for an external examination. It also gives marks distribution along with each topic. Syllabus is generally taken to mean curriculum. The syllabus includes an outline of certain topics and  subheadings that indicate the content of the subject, what to include and what to read. Obviously, this list is not more than titles. Nowadays, in the syllabus of some subjects, their teaching objectives are also written and some other things are also explained, but the syllabus is limited to this.

 

In fact, the syllabus does not provide a comprehensive description of the objectives, content and methods of teaching, but provides an outline of the topics and other educational activities. Filling in the details of the topics in this outline is left to the textbook writers and the teachers teaching the relevant subjects, choosing the teaching activities, fixing the time for them.

 

COURSE

 

It is a description of any subject. In fact, it is a description of the topics listed in the syllabus, which also expresses how many sub-concepts will be taught under a single topic. In some cases, activities to achieve the objectives of the subject or the teaching area are also mentioned. In this part of the syllabus, the weightage of each subject is determined. If the textbook is determined, then the weight of chapters and concepts in it  is also established.

 Course literally means “path” and obviously a path cannot be imagined without a destination. It may also be that the destination is same but the ways are different to reach that destination.

 

On the day of Eid, people move towards the Eidgah from different routes, but the common goal is to perform Eid prayer .

 

 Then if there is cricket match in the city and people from different routes reach the stadium to watch the cricket match that is their common goal walks of life have the common goal.

 In relation to the education of children, the common goal is to reveal the abilities of the children and build their personality on the strong basis. To achieve this goal we take several paths. That is, the path of language, the path of social studies, the path of science and many other paths that are taken consciously and unconsciously, each of them is called a course. Mathematics course, science course, social studies course, etc. But all these paths have the same goal and purpose, i.e. to develop and build the child's personality.

 

From the above discussion we come to the conclusion that a course is a description of a subject in which it is expressed how many lessons, time frames and sub-concepts will be taught on a topic, etc. In some cases, activities are also mentioned to achieve the teaching objectives of the subject or teaching area.

 

TEXTBOOKS

 

The relationship between teacher and education has been going on since ancient times. Although the number of textbooks and reference books in ancient times was much less than today, but due to non-existence of other sources of knowledge, their importance was much more than today. It was the teacher's responsibility to study the available books of various subjects and to acquire knowledge from other people and from various sources and then to transfer this knowledge to his students.

 

It is said that books are the memory of the human race which is the most effective means of acquiring knowledge. Books play a key role in the teaching and learning process and with the help of scholars, they create new subjects along with increasing knowledge. Thus new books and new sciences are created. On the other hand, teachers and students can find new ways in the process of education and learning with the help of these books. And take out the dimensions.

In the modern era, many other teaching aids besides books have come up. The use of computers in education and the advancement of information technology have opened many new avenues for learning. But despite all these, the importance and use of books has not decreased in the slightest. Rather, people are having to resort to books to use these new methods. Books play an important role in supporting education. Although they are used in different ways in every country and society. However, no one denies their importance and usefulness.

 

Textbooks are also an important type of books. In order to teach the subjects included in the different levels of education, they edit the curriculum separately for each subject in the social, historical and psychological background of their ideas from different countries and regions. Generally these syllabuses are about subjects taught in primary education, secondary education and higher education levels. Keeping these curricula in front, educationists write textbooks for specific subjects according to the intellectual level of the children studying in these grades. In which the topics included in the entire curriculum are detailed and comprehensively discussed. These textbooks cover the subjects and topics necessary for the respective fields and meet the maximum educational requirements of the students. For more breadth and depth in the study, students can study other reference books related to the subject.

 

 

In Pakistan, text book boards have been established in different provinces at the official level for the preparation of text books, which were established in 1962 through the text book board ordinance as per the recommendations of the high level committee.

Apart from the Text Book Board, several other institutions also prepare textbooks of various subjects for classes I to XII at the local level. Especially Class 1-8  it aligns with the stated objectives of the curriculum.

Various series of textbooks are available in the market.

 

Characteristics of a good textbook

A good textbook

1-It is hormonial to the objectives described in the book.

2-It fulfills the teaching objectives at the specific level of the subject concerned.

3-It has all the characteristics or features of continuity, balance and coherence .

4-It is compatible with the intellectual level and educational needs of the students of the respective level.

 5-The validity of its content is beyond any doubt closer to new information and experiences of everyday life.

6-The material covered is concise, objective, understandable and clearly presented in plain language.

7- It guarantees the protection and promotion of national and religious values, philosophy of life and traditions.

8- It presents the content in the form of topics and sub-topics.

9- It uses pictures, shapes and maps to get the interest of students and explain the topic.

 

10. It includes exercises to master and better use the material and information presented.

 11- There are no grammatical, textual and typographical errors in its content.

12- It provides good paper and good printing and the price is also reasonable.

13- The number of pages is determined and the size is appropriate according to the objectives of the respective subject and the need of the class.

 

 

Curriculum

 

Curriculum refers to a set of subjects and activities provided to a student by any educational system in which he/she seeks to learn.

 

The literal meaning of curriculum is path. The word Curriculum is derived from the Latin word Courier, which means a smooth path on which a person runs to reach his destination. In other words, to achieve your goals through the curriculum.

 

The literal meaning is also that of path and in this sense it is very similar to the English term Curriculum. If we analyze the word curriculum in terms of meaning, then the fact is known that it is a path through which students reach their goal, for example, if a student becomes a doctor or an engineer, then for this purpose, he shall select such syllabus for studies that can help him to reach his destination that is his selected career.

 

 This makes it clear that curriculum is a means to achieve educational objectives.

 

Another aspect of this debate states that the curriculum is developed for specific purposes. Another aspect of this is that curriculum is a path on which a person runs to reach his destination. The difference between walking and running is that in walking there is a lack of desire and ambition, while in running one finds the desire and intention of the individual and the individual is seen as dynamic and this movement of the individual is not possible without intention and passion.

 

All these things are intended to make it clear that the curriculum is a means or a path by which an individual achieves his destination with his intention and passion. Or other words, until the student does not adopt the curriculum with his effort, hard work and intention or does not fulfill the curriculum requirements, he cannot achieve his destination or goal until that time. It is a fact that nothing can be learned without hard work and intention. We can say that curriculum is an educational plan followed by an educational institution where students are provided with educational experiences according to their abilities. According to educational theorists, a curriculum is a written educational plan designed for the educational experiences of school children."

 

According to James Michael Lee, the curriculum covers all the processes of education for which the school is responsible."

 According to Mead, "the curriculum covers all the activities of the school, for example, sports, classes, etc. This work for  all those activities which are carried out in school.”

 

According to Paul Hurst, "Curriculum is the organization of educational activities through which the desired educational objectives are achieved.

 From the point of view of Frank Musgrove, curriculum is selected and illustrated by real life experiences and actions."

 

Curriculum in a broader sense is the name given to the conditions and opportunities provided to the teachers and schools  through which changes are created in the character of the children and young people who come to the school. It is a collection of actions that affect a child's life, whether inside or outside the school. It is directly helpful in shaping and building the personality of the student. Reading and writing, personal and social communication, mental and moral development, emotional , intellectual civilization and its practical training are all included in the curriculum. That is why the thinkers do not limit the curriculum to just book content but also include the teaching program, all the activities of the schools, guidance and counseling and educational assessment. Thus, the scope of the curriculum becomes very wide.

 

 

And the experiences will be necessary to be given at which specific educational level and in what manner.

 Therefore, it can be said that –

1*  Curriculum is a clear process or plan that results from a philosophy of life and through which students develop their personality while learning according to their inclinations and abilities.

2*  Curriculum is a written document of teaching and learning through which the teacher meets the educational needs of the students and trains them physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

 3*  Curriculum is an educational plan of internal and external activities of the school which develops the mental abilities and character traits of the individual.

 4*  Curriculum, Objectives is an effective means of achieving education and through it the teacher develops the physical, mental, emotional and social development of the students through the teacher of the natural and acquired abilities of the students and makes the students their ideals.

 

Develops and adapts the student to social relevance. Curriculum is a formal and clearly documented program of learning and teaching that includes internal and external activities of the school.