When it comes to education, the two concepts which pop up in our mind which are commonly misconstrued are syllabus and curriculum. Syllabus connotes the subjects as well as the topics covered in the course of study. On the other hand, curriculum implies the chapters and academic content taught in school or college. It alludes to the knowledge, skills and competencies students should learn during study.
The fundamental difference between syllabus and curriculum is that the former is focused towards a particular subject. Unlike, the latter, which is related to the all-round development of a student. Similarly, there are other differences between these two, that are discussed in the article provided below, take a read.
Content: Syllabus Vs Curriculum
Comparison Chart
| Basis for Comparison | Syllabus | Curriculum |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Syllabus is the document that contains all the portion of the concepts covered in a subject. | Curriculum is the overall content, taught in an educational system or a course. |
| Origin | Syllabus is a Greek term. | Curriculum is a Latin term. |
| Set for | A subject | A course |
| Nature | Descriptive | Prescriptive |
| Scope | Narrow | Wide |
| Set out by | Exam board | Government or the administration of school, college or institute. |
| Term | For a fixed term, normally a year. | Till the course lasts. |
| Uniformity | Varies from teacher to teacher. | Same for all teachers. |
Definition of Syllabus
The syllabus is defined as the documents that consist of topics or portion covered in a particular subject. It is determined by the examination board and created by the professors. The professors are responsible for the quality of the course. It is made available to the students by the teachers, either in hard copy or electronic form to bring their attention towards the subject and take their study seriously.
A syllabus is considered as a guide to the in charge as well as to the students. It helps the students to know about the subject in detail, why it is a part of their course of study, what are the expectations from students, consequences of failure, etc. It contains general rules, policies, instructions, topics covered, assignments, projects, test dates, and so on.
Definition of Curriculum
The curriculum is defined as the guideline of the chapters and academic content covered by an educational system while undergoing a particular course or program.
In a theoretical sense, curriculum refers to what is offered by the school or college. However, practically it has a wider scope which covers the knowledge, attitude, behaviour, manner, performance and skills that are imparted or inculcated in a student. It contains the teaching methods, lessons, assignments, physical and mental exercises, activities, projects, study material, tutorials, presentations, assessments, test series, learning objectives, and so on.
The curriculum is well planned, guided and designed by the government or the educational institution. It is aimed at both physical and mental development of a student. It is the overall learning experience that a student goes through during the particular course of study.
Key Differences Between Syllabus and Curriculum
The basic differences between syllabus and curriculum are explained in the point given below:
- The syllabus is described as the summary of the topics covered or units to be taught in the particular subject. Curriculum refers to the overall content, taught in an educational system or a course.
- Syllabus varies from teacher to teacher while the curriculum is same for all teachers.
- The term syllabus is a Greek origin, whereas the term curriculum is a Latin origin.
- The curriculum has a wider scope than the syllabus.
- The syllabus is provided to the students by the teachers so that they can take an interest in the subject. On the other hand, normally the curriculum is not made available to the students unless specifically asked for.
- Syllabus is descriptive in nature, but the curriculum is prescriptive.
- Syllabus is set for a particular subject. Unlike curriculum, which covers a particular course of study or a program.
- Syllabus is prepared by teachers. Conversely, a curriculum is decided by the government or the school or college administration.
- The duration of a syllabus is for a year only, but curriculum lasts till the completion of the course.
Conclusion
Curriculum and Syllabus are the terms of education, imparted to the students by teachers. It means the knowledge, skills or qualifications that are passed on from one generation to another. A subject syllabus is a unit of the curriculum. The two terms differ in a sense that curriculum is a combination of some factors which helps in the planning of an educational program, whereas a syllabus covers the portion of what topics should be taught in a particular subject.
Jeanneton Adriano Gilbert says
Excellent and simple format for understanding
Mauryan says
Excellent
Rajashree says
Really good distinctions between the both.very helpful and informative.
BHAU GAWANDE says
Excellent explanation, only cursory glance is sufficient to understand the difference. Thanks
Aisha says
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linval says
articulate piece of writing .
tito big boss says
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Kasonta says
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Surbhi S says
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Rajkishore says
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SANJAY DDEWANGAN says
A crystal clear explanation, given wide range of understanding and enhance the idea of dealing the subjects. Thank you very much for improving my knowledge on this confusion creating topic.
Shahid Mallick says
Simple and good explanation of syllabus and curriculum.
May says
Thank you very much. These explanation of syllabus and curriculum are very easy to understand.
Dr. Ali Abdulzahra Mahdi says
Very beneficial and accurate infomation
PHILIPUS FILIMON MANDUME says
WELL DONE FOR THE GOOD EXPLANATION BETWEEN THE TWO TERMS.
A Would Be Teacher says
Very well written. Corrects and clears all the confusion my teacher created for me (unfortunately)!
Luis Felipe says
Muchas gracias fue muy util. Thank you, all the info was really useful.
BANABIHARI ROY says
VERY CLEAR DEFINITION
thandie says
how to cite this document and reference it in the reference section?
Surbhi S says
“Difference Between Syllabus and Curriculum” Keydifferences.com By Surbhi S. 22 Mar 2018 < https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-syllabus-and-curriculum.html >
Farha Deeba says
Well explained, fully satisfied
Balkrishna Bokil says
It will be beneficial to the readers if an example is provided of each concept and discussed in detail. Thank you.
Isha Mahajan says
Nice explanation ….best notes for any examination
Edward Asante says
Your article is very useful, thanks so much for a very simple and detailed information.
Andrea says
Thank you very much! You have helped me a lot to clarify a confusion I had with these two terms. Continue doing this kind of things…
Paul Williams says
Thank you for a clear explanation.
Muhammad Ameen Ghori says
Thank you for a clear explanation.
Chris says
Yes, this is most appropriate.
Mohamed H Mackawee says
It is a very simple clarification for the syllabus and the curriculum vocabulary.
SAYIBU ABDUL-WAHID says
Self explanatory
Well done 👍
Dr. Donna Madison-Bell says
Explained in a clear manner.
SIMON OTOO says
THANK U FOR THIS SUCCESSFUL EXPLANATION OF CURRICULUM AND SYLLABUS IN SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT
OTOO NYARKOH BENEDICT says
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Ebiachu Patrick says
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Thank you
Arundhathi says
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Sherin says
well explained. good job.
Abanga Paul says
Excellent job and a lay man understanding
Sampson Kwesi Mensah says
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Sarah chiwamba says
Well appreciated with the definitions and differences.
Natwar Lal says
well written