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The field of education is supported by two main pillars: curriculum and instruction. Curriculum is the material taught to students in a school or educational program. Instruction refers to methods and strategies to teach that material. These two components work together to create an educational environment that is both standardized (in terms of what is taught) and individualized (in terms of how the students learn).

There are many theories surrounding curriculum and instruction, many of which are taught in education programs, including Master of Arts in Education degrees. By learning about these different approaches to education, teachers can choose an effective instructional method and improve their students’ learning experience.

Purposes of curriculum and instruction

Curriculum and instruction have two different purposes. The curriculum ensures students gain specific knowledge and skills. States establish a list of standards that each K­–12 school’s curriculum should encompass to ensure students are at an appropriate level of learning.

While the curriculum is consistent across schools and classrooms, instruction can be individualized. Students have different learning styles and needs, and many teachers respond accordingly with various instructional methods.��

Components of a curriculum

Instructional coordinators develop a curriculum by determining the . The product component is based on the final product. This means that grades and test results are used to determine if students have learned the material. Essentially, it measures how well students absorbed the lesson and keeps track of whether they are meeting expectations of their grade level.

The process component, meanwhile, focuses on how a student’s learning develops over time. A variety of instructional methods can influence the process component. Both components are important to developing a well-rounded curriculum.

A curriculum is based on extensive educational research, the input of the state and local educational standards, and the type of school. Once a curriculum is established, students in the same grade at the same school are taught the same material, no matter which teacher they have.��

Types of instructional methods

In the world of K–12 education, teachers can choose from several types of instructional methods. In fact, it’s rare to find a teacher who uses one instructional method exclusively. Many teachers have a preferred method but will incorporate other methods to accommodate all their students.

It’s important to understand that instruction is not a one-size-fits-all practice. Teaching with multiple methods helps students with different learning styles��get the most out of their learning experiences.

Lecture-based instruction

The lecture-based instruction method is the traditional classroom model many people are familiar with. With this method, the teacher stands at the front of the classroom and delivers a lesson. A visual presentation or notes on a whiteboard, chalkboard or interactive board typically accompany the lecture.

The lecture method has been shown to have , and many teachers regularly give lectures. It cultivates listening skills in students while also encouraging the development of note-taking proficiency and the ability to ask questions to deepen understanding.

Hands-on learning

Hands-on learning involves students developing knowledge through practical experience. Instead of listening to a lecture on a chemical reaction, for example, a student might experiment under a teacher’s guidance. Or, instead of reading Hamlet and listening to a lecture, students may produce the play themselves in their classroom.

Hands-on learning strives to teach students in the moment and how to learn for the rest of their lives. is a newer technique than the lecture-based approach, but many teachers have seen benefits when pairing the two approaches.

Link to “How Future Leaders Can Benefit From Understanding Different Learning Styles” once published.