Curricula vs. Curriculum (Definition, Grammar, Spelling, Differences, Examples)

What’s the difference between curricula vs curriculum? Confusion emerges over the plural forms of the word curriculum since its plural ‘curricula‘ (the most popular plural form) derives from a Latin word, and aboriginal English speakers are uncertain whether to use curricula or curriculums as the plural form. This is because curriculums adhere to the formal ruling for creating plurals, which has come into use.

Several Latin-rooted words (for example, referendum, stadium, and nucleus) have either embraced a typical plural ending the Latin one alongside or have entirely declined the Latin one (for example, referendums but referenda). While a few have entirely maintained their Latin plural (for example, stimuli but stimuluses).

And with the word curriculum, both curricula and curriculums are acceptable. Now let’s figure out the main difference and usage of curricula vs. curriculum.

Grammatical Explanation of Curricula and Curriculum

Curriculum and curricula describe a single course of study and a set of courses for students simultaneously. Nevertheless, there is a fine line between these two words.

• A curriculum is a course of study. In other words, the curriculum is typically a pack of subjects taught as well as a singular noun form. It came from the verb currere.
• Curricula is more than just a single course of study. It is the plural of curriculum.

Similar to other Latin noun words that generally end in the letters -um, the word curriculum takes the form curricula in the plural noun.

Difference Between Curriculum vs Curricula

Here we are going to compare curricula vs curriculum in this post below. We will also provide a few example sentences that will give you a vivid idea of how the words should appear in lesson plans.

Let’s get started..

Meaning of Curriculum: A Course of Study

The curriculum describes assessments, lessons, materials, assignments, and readings in a single study course.

A Few Examples In Sentences:

• Our department designed a standards-aligned curriculum in every subject.
• Mrs. Hart’s biology curriculum is so fun and engaging that students don’t know what they’re learning.
• Have you finished writing the math curriculum for 11th grade?
• The school board approved a new curriculum that integrates 21st-century skills into the classroom.
• The typical language arts curriculum in kindergarten includes phonics, sight words, and handwriting practice.

Meaning of Curricula: Numerous Study Courses

The plural form of ‘curriculum’ is either ‘curriculums’ or ‘curricula.’ ‘Curricula’ is commonly used to resemble different study methods or highlight that an institute has more than just one curriculum.

A Few Examples In Sentences:

• Before declaring your university major, a wide range of curricula are available for you
• When you prepare 5 different classes, you will also have to master 5 different curricula.
• Let’s plan the 3rd-grade & 4th-grade curricula together. This will help us avoid teaching the same topics.
• Can you create curricula for every primal reading level?

In summary

Even if you aren’t a Latin teacher, having a common idea of how a Latin word works in English can help you. After all, designing a single set of curricula is much more distinct than preparing a series of curricula!

If you need guidance on preparing a top-notch curriculum, you need to check out some lesson program templates to ensure your students are getting their objectives.