Uncovering the Hidden Curriculum

Abstract

This resource is a collection of modules that target various skills and topics that address the hidden curriculum. The hidden curriculum refers to unspoken lessons, norms, values, and perspectives that impact learning and academic performance. This curriculum is often implied and not explicitly taught, which poses various accessibility and equity barriers. Therefore, this resource aims to 'uncover the hidden curriculum' with development of various skills/topics. The skills/topics are categorized into 5 domains: executive function, communication, critical thinking, intra- and interpersonal, and social accountability—there are 54 modules in total that span these categories. The modules include an overview of the skill/topic as it relates to post-secondary students as well as several resources that can support educators to embed an awareness and/or development of the topic within the curriculum.

These resources include strategies that can be shared with students, tips that educators can use when designing/delivering their courses, and activities educators can do with students. All of these materials can be adopted/adapted as needed to suit the needs of the educator. Although the resources were primarily developed for educators, the material can also be used directly with students and applied as needed. In addition to the content and resources, we have developed a needs assessment survey that will direct learners to the skills/topics that are more relevant to their context. This includes a survey to determine which domain is best suited and then a survey for the individual skills/topics. This resource was created as a cross sector and cross institutional collaboration amongst faculty, staff, and students across Ontario institutions. The process involved an extensive environmental scan to determine the needs for the resources. Consultations were also prioritized to ensure development of inclusive resources. The resources are housed on a website: hiddencurriculum.ca