Docs / Instructional Philosophies / Curriculum-Based

Curriculum-Based Instruction

Content-centric learning organized around structured bodies of knowledge. Topics build sequentially from domains to specific concepts.

Definition

Curriculum-Based Instruction (CBI) organizes learning around a structured body of knowledge. Content is arranged hierarchically from broad domains to specific concepts, following a predetermined sequence that builds understanding progressively.

Central Question "What content has the learner covered?"

Core Principles

📖

Content-Centric

Learning is organized around subject matter to be covered. The curriculum defines what students need to learn.

📈

Sequential Progression

Topics build upon prerequisite knowledge. Earlier concepts prepare students for later material.

📋

Standardized Coverage

All learners encounter the same content. Ensures consistent knowledge across cohorts.

⏰

Time-Based Structure

Learning is organized into units, modules, or terms. Progress is measured by schedule completion.

Structure in UALS

Curriculum-based content is organized in a three-level hierarchy:

Domain (e.g., Mathematics)
├── Subdomain 1 (e.g., Calculus)
│ ├── Concept A (e.g., Limits)
│ ├── Concept B (e.g., Derivatives)
│ └── Concept C (e.g., Integrals)
└── Subdomain 2 (e.g., Linear Algebra)
├── Concept D (e.g., Vectors)
└── Concept E (e.g., Matrices)

Example: Climate Science Curriculum

Climate Science
├── Atmospheric Science
│ ├── Greenhouse Effect
│ ├── Carbon Cycle
│ └── Weather Patterns
├── Oceanography
│ ├── Ocean Currents
│ └── Sea Level Rise
└── Human Impact
├── Fossil Fuels
└── Mitigation Strategies

Data Format

When making API requests for curriculum-based content, use this format:

JSON 
{
  "system": "KE",           // KE, SPL, or SBCAT
  "config": {
    "domain": "Mathematics",
    "subdomain": "Calculus",
    "concept": "Derivatives",
    "comprehension": 5,      // 1-10 difficulty scale
    "style": "visual"        // visual, textual, interactive
  }
}

Key Characteristics

Aspect Curriculum-Based Approach
Learning Path Linear, predetermined sequence
Progress Measure Content completion, time spent
Terminology Modules, Units, Lessons, Topics
Success Criteria Coverage of material, passing grades
Pacing Group-based, synchronized
Assessment Tests on covered material
Framework ID Pattern dsc-curr-{name}

Learning Systems in Curriculum Mode

All three learning systems adapt their content for curriculum-based instruction:

🗺️

Knowledge Explorer (KE)

Purpose: Deep exploration of concepts

Example: Exploring "Derivatives" with concept maps showing relationships to limits, rates of change, and applications.

💬

Socratic Playground (SPL)

Purpose: Interactive tutoring on topics

Example: Guided practice solving derivative problems through questioning and step-by-step guidance.

📝

Scenario-Based CAT (SBCAT)

Purpose: Adaptive testing on concepts

Example: Assessing understanding of calculus concepts with increasingly difficult problems.

When to Use Curriculum-Based

🎓 Traditional academic courses with standardized content requirements
✅ Compliance training where specific content must be covered
🏗️ Foundational education building knowledge systematically
📊 Standardized test prep aligned with specific curricula
🏆 Accredited courses with external certification requirements
👥 Group instruction where all students progress together

Practical Examples

  • Introduction to Biology (covering cell structure, genetics, ecology)
  • World History survey course
  • SAT, GRE, or certification exam preparation
  • Required compliance training modules
  • K-12 standard curriculum courses

Adoption & Customization

There are multiple ways to adopt curriculum-based instruction in UALS:

📋

Use Existing Curriculum

Browse the curriculum catalog and copy an existing framework to your personal collection. Ideal for standard courses.

Quick Start
✏️

Customize a Template

Copy an existing curriculum, then modify domains, subdomains, and concepts to match your specific needs.

Recommended
🆕

Create from Scratch

Build a completely new curriculum framework with your own structure. Full control over all content.

Create Framework

Customization Options

Option Description When to Use
AI Notes Custom instructions per module for AI content generation Tailor content tone, examples, and focus areas
Scenario Context Class-level context applied to all content Ground content in specific professional/academic context
Comprehension Level 1-10 scale for difficulty adjustment Match content complexity to learner level
Content Style Visual, textual, or interactive presentation Adapt to learning preferences and content type

AI Notes (Per Module)

Add custom instructions for each module to guide AI content generation:

JSON 
{
  "module": "Derivatives",
  "aiNotes": "Focus on real-world applications like physics and economics.
              Use visual representations for rate of change concepts.
              Avoid overly abstract mathematical notation for beginners."
}

Scenario Context (Class-Level)

Set class-level context to ground all content in relevant situations:

JSON 
{
  "classId": "calc-101-fall-2024",
  "scenarioContext": "Engineering students preparing for physics applications"
}
Want to create your own curriculum? See the Create Your Own Framework guide for step-by-step instructions.

UALS Curriculum-Based Instruction Documentation

For additional help, visit the Teacher Dashboard