Understanding Curriculum and Curricula

Curricula vs. Curriculum

There are two words that sound similar but mean something a little different: “Curricula” and “Curriculum.” Let’s look at what they mean and how we use them.

History

Both words come from Latin. “Curriculum” means “a running” or “a course.” Long ago, people used Latin words for learning plans. Over time, we kept using those words in English.

How to Use Them

Curriculum: This word is for one learning plan. We use it when we talk about what one group of students will learn.

Curricula: This word is for more than one learning plan. We use it when we talk about what different groups of students will learn.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of the letter “a” at the end of “curricula” as standing for “all” or “many.” So, “curricula” means many learning plans, while “curriculum” means just one.

Example Sentences

Using “Curriculum”

• The school has a new curriculum for math.
• Each teacher follows the same curriculum.
• Our science curriculum includes many experiments.
• She helped write the curriculum for the history class.
• This curriculum is used in many countries.

Using “Curricula”

• The school district looked at all the curricula.
• We need to update our art and music curricula.
• The school offers different curricula for different grades.
• Teachers from across the country shared their curricula.
• There are many curricula to choose from for language learning.

Summary

Use “curriculum” for one learning plan and “curricula” for many learning plans. Remember, the letter “a” in “curricula” stands for “all” or “many.” This way, you can always know which word to use.