ANWSER
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Question 1a:
Answer:
The term curriculum refers to a structured plan that outlines the content, learning experiences, and objectives designed to achieve specific educational goals. It includes subjects, teaching methods, assessments, and resources used to facilitate learning. The curriculum serves as a guide for educators to ensure systematic and effective knowledge delivery.
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Question 1b:
Answer:
Five major problems in curriculum implementation in Nigerian schools are:
1. Inadequate Funding: Poor financial support leads to a lack of resources, infrastructure, and training for teachers.
2. Poor Teacher Training: Many educators are not adequately trained to implement new curricula effectively.
3. Overcrowded Classrooms: High student-teacher ratios hinder personalized instruction and effective curriculum delivery.
4. Inconsistent Government Policies: Frequent changes in educational policies disrupt continuity in curriculum implementation.
5. Cultural and Linguistic Barriers: A diverse population makes it challenging to design a curriculum that meets all students’ needs.
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Question 1c:
Answer:
The present-day Nigerian educational curriculum is relevant in meeting national goals because:
– It aligns with national development objectives, such as fostering unity, promoting literacy, and enhancing skills for economic growth.
– It incorporates technology and vocational training to address unemployment and entrepreneurship needs.
– It emphasizes moral and civic education to cultivate responsible citizenship.
– It supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly quality education (SDG 4).
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Question 2a:
Answer:
Objectives in curriculum are specific, measurable outcomes that define what learners should achieve. In relation to learning experiences, objectives guide the design of activities, content, and assessments to ensure alignment with desired educational outcomes.
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Question 2b:
Answer:
Four principles guiding the selection of learning experiences are:
1. Relevance: Experiences should align with curriculum objectives and students’ needs.
2. Feasibility: They must be practical given available resources and time.
3. Variety: Diverse methods (e.g., group work, experiments) cater to different learning styles.
4. Learner-Centeredness: Experiences should engage students actively in the learning process.
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Question 3a:
Answer:
Curriculum evaluation is a systematic process of assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance of a curriculum. It involves collecting and analyzing data to determine whether the curriculum meets its intended goals and improves student learning outcomes.
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Question 3b:
Answer:
Five reasons for curriculum evaluation include:
1. Improvement: Identifies strengths and weaknesses for refinement.
2. Accountability: Ensures stakeholders (e.g., government, parents) that educational standards are met.
3. Relevance: Checks if the curriculum aligns with societal and technological changes.
4. Resource Allocation: Determines if resources (time, materials) are used effectively.
5. Learner Progress: Assesses whether students achieve desired learning outcomes.
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Question 4a:
Answer:
Hierarchy of Curriculum (Diagrammatic Explanation):
1. National Goals (Top)
2. Institutional Aims
3. Program Objectives
4. Course Outcomes
5. Lesson Objectives (Bottom)
*(Note: A downward arrow illustrates the flow from broad goals to specific objectives.)*
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Question 4b:
Answer:
Five differences between curriculum and instruction:
1. Scope: Curriculum is the overall plan; instruction is the delivery method.
2. Focus: Curriculum defines *what* to teach; instruction defines *how* to teach.
3. Design: Curriculum is developed by policymakers; instruction is implemented by teachers.
4. Flexibility: Curriculum is relatively fixed; instruction can be adapted to classroom needs.
5. Evaluation: Curriculum assesses program effectiveness; instruction assesses teaching effectiveness.
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Question 5:
Answer:
Two major principles guiding the selection of instructional materials and methods:
1. Alignment with Objectives: Materials/methods must directly support learning goals (e.g., simulations for skill-based objectives).
2. Learner Engagement: Choose interactive and relatable tools (e.g., visuals, real-world examples) to maintain student interest and participation.
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