Curricula
/kəˈrɪkjʊlə/
Definitions
Plural of curriculum; the courses offered by a school or educational institution.
/kəˈrɪkjʊlə/
Multiple courses of study
The school's new curricula include more hands-on activities.
💡 Simply: Curricula are like all the different subjects and classes a school offers. It’s what you learn in school, from math to art, and all the choices you have to make your school year unique. Remember the whole collection of lessons?
👶 For kids: Curricula means all the different things you learn at school, like reading and playing.
More Examples
The university offers a wide range of curricula in the sciences and humanities.
Teachers spent hours discussing the new curricula.
The curricula are regularly updated to reflect current knowledge.
How It's Used
"The school's curricula are designed to meet the needs of a diverse student body."
"Universities often revise their curricula to reflect current research and industry trends."
Idioms & expressions
Hidden curriculum
The implicit lessons and values that are taught in school, often unintentionally.
"The hidden curriculum in this school emphasizes conformity and obedience."
From Latin, plural of *curriculum*, meaning 'a running' or 'a racecourse'. The word's evolution reflects the idea of a planned course of study, a path or journey of learning.
The term has been used in educational contexts since the early 20th century, initially referring to a single course of study, and later expanding to encompass all the courses offered by an institution.
Memory tip
Think of the 'curricula' as the many roads (plural) on the learning racecourse.