Attained Curriculum

Definition

Attained curriculum refers to the actual knowledge, skills, and competencies that students acquire as a result of their learning experiences. This concept connects to the broader understanding of curriculum by emphasizing the difference between what is intended (written curriculum) and what students actually learn (attained curriculum), showcasing the effectiveness of instructional methods and learning environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Attained curriculum is assessed through various evaluation methods, including tests, projects, and observations that measure student understanding and skills.
2. The gap between written and attained curriculum can reveal discrepancies in teaching effectiveness and student engagement.
3. Attained curriculum plays a crucial role in determining educational outcomes, influencing future academic opportunities and career paths for students.
4. Curriculum alignment is essential to ensure that what is taught aligns closely with what students are expected to learn and attain.
5. Teachers' instructional strategies directly impact the attained curriculum, as different teaching methods can lead to varied levels of student understanding and mastery.

Review Questions

• How does attained curriculum differ from written curriculum, and why is this distinction important for educators?
  • Attained curriculum differs from written curriculum in that it represents what students actually learn compared to what is planned for them to learn. This distinction is important for educators because it highlights the effectiveness of their teaching methods and helps identify areas where students may struggle. By recognizing this difference, teachers can adjust their instructional strategies to better meet the needs of their students and enhance overall learning outcomes.
• Discuss the implications of having a significant gap between attained curriculum and written curriculum in a classroom setting.
  • A significant gap between attained curriculum and written curriculum can lead to underperformance among students, as they may not be mastering essential skills or content outlined in the planned curriculum. This discrepancy can result from ineffective teaching strategies, lack of resources, or misalignment between assessments and learning objectives. Consequently, addressing this gap is crucial for improving educational practices and ensuring that all students achieve desired learning outcomes.
• Evaluate how understanding attained curriculum can inform the development of more effective curricular frameworks.
  • Understanding attained curriculum allows educators and policymakers to create more effective curricular frameworks by focusing on actual student learning experiences. By analyzing the discrepancies between what is intended in the written curriculum and what students have learned, they can refine instructional methods, enhance teacher training, and align assessments with learning goals. This evaluation process ensures that curricula are responsive to student needs and promotes higher achievement levels across diverse learner populations.

Related terms

Written Curriculum: The planned and documented curriculum that outlines the objectives, content, and assessment strategies intended for student learning.

Null Curriculum: The content and skills that are not taught or included in the official curriculum, which can significantly impact student learning outcomes.

Hidden Curriculum: The unofficial lessons, values, and perspectives that students learn through the culture of the school environment rather than through formal instruction.