What is the primary difference between curriculum and instruction?

The primary difference is that curriculum refers to the specific content and skills that are to be taught in an educational setting. It outlines what students are expected to learn, including subjects, materials, and learning objectives. Instruction, on the other hand, involves the methods and strategies teachers use to facilitate learning and deliver that content effectively. This can include different teaching techniques, classroom activities, assessments, and the overall approach to engaging students in the learning process.

This distinction is fundamental in education as it helps educators design their teaching to align with the established curriculum while ensuring that students receive instruction tailored to their needs and learning styles. Understanding this difference is crucial for teachers to develop effective lesson plans that both cover the prescribed curriculum and actively involve students in their learning through various instructional methods.