WHAT ARE THE CONCEPT OF CURRICULUM

The term “curriculum” in its Latin usage means a run way, or a course which one runs to meet a goal. But as it pertains to education, Nwachukwu and Odoh (2006) defined curriculum as a planned and guided educational experience given to the child under the auspices of the school with the aim of achieving stated objectives. In this definition, stated objectives are the national and educational objectives. But when these objectives are not fully achieved, it means there is gap in education. Kanno and Onyeachu (2013) defined curriculum as planned and guided learning experiences which are geared towards the full development of the individual for his or her own good and that of the society. Eyisi (2013) viewed curriculum as all the training given to the learners by the school through the teacher so as to make them useful to the society. Well planned and implemented curriculum contain  the strategies and practices that enables individual to live successfully and adapt to any change in life.

Concept of Curriculum Planning

Curriculum planning is the process whereby aims, contents, materials, learning activities etc are selected and organized in such away as to ensure the attainment of the purpose of education in a society (Ojeifo, 1987). Udom (2013) referred to curriculum planning as learning activities that have been prepared for before putting them into action. While Nwachukwu and Odo h (2006) define curriculum planning as a decision making process. From the above definitions, curriculum planning can be regarded as a policy statement by the government. In curriculum planning, the country’s educational goals and objectives are translated into reality which will bring national development. DanEyisi3

Concept of Curriculum Implementation

Curriculum implementation refers to the execution or the putting into effect curriculum plans and programmes (Esu, Enukoha and Umoren, 2009). It is the process of realizing or carrying out the curriculum plan. According to Saidu (1995) curriculum implementation is the process of putting into effect the curriculum produced by curriculum construction and development. In line with Saidu’s view, Olga (2009) added that curriculum implementation refers to the actual use of the curriculum or syllabus. In the light of the above definitions, curriculum implementation can be seen as the process of effecting the curriculum so planned. It is a policy implementation phase. It is a critical phase in the cycles of planning and teaching a curriculum because it is the practical aspect of the curriculum.

Curriculum implementation is a crucial stage because if the agents responsible for implementation fail to achieve its stated objectives, there will be gap, lapses or shortfall in education. In fact, there is gap or lapses as a result of improper curriculum (policy) implementation.

Challenges of Curriculum Planning and Implementation

Textbooks: In other to ensure proper implementation of planned curriculum, there must be adequate relevant and purposeful textbooks for teachers and students. But some subjects like Data Processing, Cosmetology, and Upholstery just to mention a few do not have any relevant textbooks. These subjects are newly introduced and students will write examination on them this year without having textbook on them. So implementation of such curriculum will not be easy.

Trained Teachers: Another setback in policy to practice is inadequate specialist teachers. Any good curriculum must have enough special trained teachers to implement them without which the policy will become a mirage. Those subjects mentioned above do not have specialist teachers. This makesthe implementation of such programmes very difficult.

Inadequate No -Human Resources : These include equipments, facilities, buildings and other materials. Programme implementation is smooth when there are adequate material resources but it becomes imperfect when the materials are in short supply or not available. Imagine a situation where the teacher is teaching students that are sitting on non -cemented floor or a teacher teaching friction without having smooth or rough surfaces and ball bearing for demonstration. How could such teaching be meaningful?

Poor Funding: The importance of funding cannot be overemphasized. Adequate funding is one of the most important factors necessary for the implementation of planned curriculum. Curriculum implementation is capital intensive, therefore adequate funding is need to implement the curriculum so planned. So government must be ready to pay all stakeholders responsible and provide materials needed for curriculum planning and implementation.

The learner: The need and interest of individual learners is paramount and should be taken into account because he is the center of focus in any curriculum development (Esu 2013). The needs and interest of learners are very important according to Esu but are these learners ready and willing to learn? Do they have reading culture? Do they have respect for teachers (implementers)? If the answers to these questions are “YES” there will be no gap in education but if “NO” then there will be gap in education.

The Society : Society is a group of people interacting with one another to maintain a continued existence. Society includes human beings, their activities, relationship to one another and to natural and social environment (Akpochafo, 1985). In planning curriculum for any society, their values and value system, norms, goals, needs, aspiration and culture must be reflected in that curriculum. But is it possible for a given curriculum to reflect the need of every member of the society? Is the society ready to accept the curriculum? Challenges of Curriculum Planning and Implementation in Bridging the Gap in Secondary Education in Nigeria

POSIBLE SOUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED ABOVE

The following recommendations are made.

1.There should be adequate textbook with relevant and functional information.

This will help in the smooth implementation of planned curriculum.

2. Trained specialist teachers in every subject should be provided to ensure full coverage of the educational programme. This is because teachers are the key agent in any curriculum implementation.

3. Functional and current resource materials should be made available so as to make teaching and learning a noble enterprise.

4. Government and non-governmental agencies should improve their funding to education so as to make curriculum planning and Implementation very effective.

5. Learners should develop reading culture and be willing to learn without prejudice. They should have respect for their teachers.

6. In curriculum planning and implementation, the need and culture of every member or group in the society must be taken into consideration so that education will be meaningful and acceptable. There should be provision for change in the school programme so that society’s changing need will be accommodated.

Conclusion

This paper is of the view that the gap in education in Nigeria will be bridged when educational policies and implementation are fully practiced. Curriculum planning is the government policy or educational programme that needs to be fully implemented so that education will serve the needs of the society. The paper highlighted the goals of education in general and that of secondary education in particular with a view to emphasizing challenges in planning and implementing curriculum. Recommendations were also proffered so that the gap in education will be bridged.

4. Government and non-governmental agencies should improve their funding to education so as to make curriculum planning and Implementation very effective.

5. Learners should develop reading culture and be willing to learn without prejudice. They should have respect for their teachers.

6. In curriculum planning and implementation, the need and culture of every member or group in the society must be taken into consideration so that education will be meaningful and acceptable. There should be provision for change in the school programme so that society’s changing need will be accommodated.

REFERENCES

(SSCE). Minna. Rubby Prints. Eyisi, D.(2013). “Curriculum Planning and Implementation for National Security

” A paper presen    tation at the Institute of Education, Delta State University, Abraka. Nigeria, Titled Educational Reformation for National Security. Federal Republic of Nigeria (2004). National Policy on Education . Abuja; NERDC.Kanno, T. N. and Onyeachu, J.E.A. (2013). Developing Curriculum on Climate Change at Upper Basic Education Level in Nigeria.

Akpochafo, W.(1985). “Study Guide on Sociology of Education (Model Question

and Answer)” Warri; Erusam Publishers. Esu, A.E.O, Enukoha, O.I and Umoren, G.U.(2009).” Curriculum Development in Nigeria for Colleges and Universities ” Calabar: Stiffaith Prints. Esu, A.E.O.(2013). Developing Curriculum on Climate Change. A Welcome Address. Journal of Curriculum Organization Nigeria (CON).20(1), 6-26. Eyisi,D.(2012) Crisis in Education in Nigeria and Mass Failure in Examinations

Journal of Curriculum Organization of Nigeria (CON)20(1), 36-45. Nwachukwu, E.A. & Odoh, E.O.(2006). Curriculum Studies and Innovation (The Nigeria Perspectives. Enugu: New Generation Books.