6. Curricula, syllabi, timetable, education process chart

In formal education, a curriculum (plural: curricula) is the set of courses, and their content, offered at a school or university. As an idea, curriculum came from the Latin word for race course, referring to the course of deeds and experiences through which children grow to become mature adults. A curriculum is prescriptive, and is based on a more general syllabus which merely specifies what topics must be understood and to what level to achieve a particular grade or standard.

A curriculum may also refer to a defined and prescribed course of studies, which students must fulfill in order to pass a certain level of education.

A syllabus (plural: syllabi, Latin "list"), is an outline and summary of topics to be covered in an education or training course. It is descriptive (unlike the prescriptive or specific curriculum). A syllabus is often either set out by an exam board, or prepared by the professor who supervises or controls the course quality.

Both syllabus and curriculum are often fused, and usually given to each student during the first class session so that the objectives and the means of obtaining them are clear. A syllabus usually contains specific information about the course, such as information on how, where and when to contact the lecturer and teaching assistants; an outline of what will be covered in the course; a schedule of test dates and the due dates for assignments; the grading policy for the course; specific classroom rules; etc.

Within many courses concluding in an exam, syllabuses are used to ensure consistency between schools and that all teachers know what must be taught and what is not required.

6. Types of classes

The lecture method is the oldest approach to teaching in higher education. It originated in the earliest European universities during the 12th and 13th centuries. Before the introduction of the printing press in 1450, students had to create their own books by listening to lectures and writing down the words of their instructors. Today, faculty who use the lecture method typically speak to large numbers of students in a formal and very organized manner. The faculty member presents his or her description of the key ideas of a subject, and gives interpretations that often include current research on the issue. Following the presentation, lecturers sometimes invite students to ask questions on the material.

A lecture is an oral presentation intended to present information or teach people about a particular subject, for example by a university or college teacher. Lectures are used to convey critical information, history, background, theories and equations. A politician's speech, a minister's sermon, or even a businessman's sales presentation may be similar in form to a lecture. Usually the lecturer will stand at the front of the room and recite information relevant to the lecture's content.

Lecture-Discussion. Many faculty members employ a combination of lectures and small group discussions. In the lecture-discussion method, professors lecture to a large group of students and then divide the class into smaller discussion sections. Graduate teaching assistants, instructors, or assistant professors lead these small group discussions. They lead the discussion on the lecture topic, answer questions, and test the students with quizzes or exams.

Professors often use a discussion format of instruction in institutions that emphasize a high level of teacher-student interaction. In this teaching method, the professor meets with a small number of students and teaches the course by leading discussions with students. For example, the professor may present ideas and raise questions to stimulate debate or dialogue among the students.

Science courses typically include laboratory sections in which students conduct experiments that replicate or illustrate a scientific principle introduced in the course. Laboratory sections usually augment lectures or discussions. Foreign language courses also sometimes include laboratory sections in which students listen to audiotapes or use other interactive forms of instruction.

Laboratory and practical classes are often seen as teaching environments in which concerns about obtaining practical skills in analysis, computing, engineering, etc.

Possible aims of practical work in laboratory and practical class are as follows:

• to encourage accurate observation

• to promote scientific methods of thoughts

• to develop manipulative skills

• to train in problem solving

• to fit the requirements of practical examinations

• to elucidate theory learning

• to verify facts and principles

• to develop investigational methods

• to arouse interest in the subject and make it more real

Seminars consist of small groups of students who meet with a professor to research or discuss a specific topic in history, literature, or some other academic field. For example, seminars in American literature might explore the novels of Nathaniel Hawthorne or the poetry of Maya Angelou. Seminars are more common in graduate programs. Participants in a seminar usually prepare scholarly research papers and critique one another’s work.

The idea behind the seminar system is to familiarize students more extensively with the methodology of their chosen subject and also to allow them to interact with examples of the practical problems that always occur during research work. It is essentially a place where assigned readings are discussed, questions can be raised and debates can be conducted. It is relatively informal, at least compared to the lecture system of academic instruction.

Clinical Experiences and Internships. Academic programs in professional fields such as social work or teacher education often require clinical experiences and internships. In these programs, students spend time at a clinic, agency, or school to observe the work of a professional in the field. In some cases the student may participate in the work as an aide. For example, teacher education programs require students to gain teaching experience in an elementary or secondary school. Social work programs may require students to participate at a local health clinic or other social service institution.