What is the subject matter in curriculum?

The subject matter in a curriculum refers to the knowledge, skills, and values that are taught and learned within a specific educational program. It encompasses the content, topics, and themes covered across all subjects and learning experiences. This can be broken down further:

* Content: The factual information, concepts, and theories students are expected to acquire. This includes specific details, data, and principles within each subject area (e.g., the periodic table in chemistry, historical dates in history).

* Skills: The abilities and proficiencies students develop through the curriculum. These can be cognitive skills (e.g., critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis), psychomotor skills (e.g., writing, drawing, using laboratory equipment), and affective skills (e.g., collaboration, communication, self-regulation).

* Values: The beliefs, attitudes, and principles that the curriculum aims to instill in students. This could include things like respect, responsibility, ethical behavior, and social justice.

Essentially, the subject matter defines *what* students will learn in a given curriculum. It's the "what" component, distinct from the "how" (pedagogy) and the "why" (educational goals and philosophy) of the curriculum.