Explicit Curriculum vs. Implicit Curriculum

Attribute	Explicit Curriculum	Implicit Curriculum
Planned	Yes	No
Stated	Yes	No
Formal	Yes	No
Intentional	Yes	No
Subject-specific	Yes	No
Assessed	Yes	No

Definition

Explicit curriculum refers to the formal, planned, and written educational experiences that are intentionally designed by teachers or educational institutions. It includes the subjects, topics, and skills that are explicitly taught to students. On the other hand, implicit curriculum refers to the unspoken or hidden values, beliefs, and behaviors that are conveyed through the school environment, interactions, and experiences.

Intentionality

Explicit curriculum is characterized by its intentional design and planning. Teachers and educators carefully select the content, objectives, and activities that are included in the curriculum to ensure that students achieve specific learning outcomes. In contrast, implicit curriculum is often unintentional and may not be explicitly planned. It emerges through the everyday interactions, routines, and practices within the school environment.

Content

Explicit curriculum typically includes subjects such as math, science, language arts, and social studies. It outlines the specific knowledge and skills that students are expected to learn in each subject area. In contrast, implicit curriculum focuses on the values, attitudes, and social norms that are conveyed through the school culture. This may include concepts such as respect, responsibility, and collaboration.

Evaluation

Explicit curriculum is often assessed through formal methods such as tests, quizzes, and assignments. Teachers use these assessments to measure students' understanding of the content and their ability to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned. Implicit curriculum, on the other hand, is more difficult to assess. It may be evaluated through observations of students' behavior, attitudes, and interactions within the school community.

Impact

Explicit curriculum has a direct and measurable impact on students' academic achievement. The content and skills that are taught in the explicit curriculum are essential for students to succeed in school and beyond. In contrast, the impact of implicit curriculum is more subtle and may not be immediately apparent. However, the values, beliefs, and behaviors that are conveyed through the implicit curriculum can shape students' attitudes, character, and social interactions.

Integration

Explicit and implicit curriculum are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often work together to create a comprehensive educational experience for students. The explicit curriculum provides the foundation of knowledge and skills that students need to succeed academically, while the implicit curriculum reinforces important values and social norms that are essential for personal and social development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, explicit curriculum and implicit curriculum play distinct but complementary roles in the educational experience of students. While explicit curriculum focuses on the formal content and skills that are taught in schools, implicit curriculum conveys important values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape students' character and social interactions. Both types of curriculum are essential for providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in school and in life.