What is curriculum-in-use?

Curriculum-in-use refers to what actually happens in the classroom – the enacted curriculum. It's the difference between the intended curriculum (what's written in the lesson plans and curriculum documents) and the implemented curriculum (what teachers deliver). Curriculum-in-use takes into account the spontaneous decisions, adaptations, and modifications that teachers make in response to student needs, classroom dynamics, available resources, and their own professional judgments.

It's a dynamic and often unpredictable process influenced by numerous factors including:

* Teacher's beliefs and pedagogical approaches: A teacher's philosophy on teaching and learning significantly impacts how they deliver the curriculum.

* Student characteristics: The diverse learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds of students necessitate adjustments to the planned curriculum.

* Classroom context: The classroom environment, available resources, and school culture all shape what happens in practice.

* Unforeseen events: Unexpected disruptions or opportunities can lead to deviations from the intended plan.

* Time constraints: Limited time often forces teachers to prioritize certain aspects of the curriculum over others.

Understanding curriculum-in-use is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of a curriculum and for improving teaching and learning. Researchers often observe classrooms to analyze curriculum-in-use and identify areas where the intended curriculum is not being effectively implemented or where adjustments might be necessary. It's a valuable tool for professional development and curriculum revision.