Introduction
Curriculum plays a central role in the education process. It is more than just a collection of subjects or topics — it is a carefully designed plan of what learners need to study, how they will study it, and how they will be evaluated. The statement, “Curriculum is a plan of action”, highlights its role as a blueprint for both teachers and learners. In distance education, where face-to-face interaction is limited, this “plan of action” becomes even more essential.
Understanding Curriculum as a Plan of Action
A curriculum outlines:
- What is to be taught (content)
- Why it is taught (objectives and aims)
- How it is to be taught (methods and materials)
- How learning is to be assessed (evaluation)
Therefore, it acts like a roadmap that guides all academic activities — from planning lessons to evaluating learning outcomes.
Curriculum in Distance Education
In open and distance learning (ODL), the curriculum must be even more detailed and self-sufficient because the teacher and student are physically separated. The design must include clear instructions, accessible content, and appropriate assessment tools that support independent learning.
Key Elements of Curriculum as a Plan of Action in Distance Education:
1. Clearly Defined Objectives
The curriculum must state what the learner will achieve by the end of the course.
Example: In IGNOU’s B.Com programme, each course states specific objectives such as “To help learners understand basic principles of accounting.”
2. Structured Content
Content is divided into units and modules that learners can follow at their own pace. The sequencing of content is important to ensure logical learning.
Example: A course in education starts with basic teaching concepts before moving to advanced pedagogical theories.
3. Use of Media and Technology
The curriculum must specify which media (print, audio, video, online) will be used to deliver the content.
Example: IGNOU’s curriculum includes printed SLMs, audio lectures via Gyan Vani, and video lectures on YouTube and SWAYAM.
4. Learning Activities
Since there is limited classroom interaction, the curriculum must include activities that keep learners engaged, such as self-assessment exercises, project work, and group discussions.
5. Evaluation Strategy
The curriculum should include formative (assignments) and summative (term-end exams) evaluation to measure learning outcomes.
Example: Learners submit assignments for each subject, which carry 30% of the total marks.
Why Curriculum is a Plan of Action in Distance Education
- Independent Learning: Learners rely on the curriculum to guide their study without continuous teacher input.
- Flexibility: A well-designed curriculum allows learners to study at their own time and place.
- Accountability: It ensures that both learners and institutions are clear about what is to be achieved and how.
Conclusion
The curriculum in distance education is not just a document but a complete plan of action that shapes the learning experience. It provides direction, structure, and purpose to both the learners and educators. Without a well-thought-out curriculum, the goals of distance education cannot be achieved effectively. Thus, the statement “Curriculum is a plan of action” is especially true and meaningful in the context of open and distance learning.