The Personal Curriculum Movement: A Journey of Intentional Learning
For many adults across social media, class is back in session…this time, by choice. Recent trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram have given rise to the phenomenon of the “personal curriculum,” where users craft self-made syllabi not for grades or credentials, but for pure pleasure and growth. This movement encourages a shift from endless scrolling to intentional learning, even if it’s just for one hour a week.
What Is a Personal Curriculum?
At first glance, a personal curriculum might resemble a reading list, a lecture schedule, or scattered notes in a journal. However, beneath this simple facade lies a powerful signal—a collective yearning to reignite curiosity within ourselves. The act of designing a personal curriculum helps individuals reclaim their intellectual exploration, fostering a deep-seated desire to learn for the sake of learning, rather than for external validation.
The Backlash Against Passive Consumption
Much of the discourse surrounding this trend critiques our current lifestyle, where passive consumption has become the norm. Experts have long warned that incessant scrolling can diminish attention spans and critical thinking skills. Whether referred to as a “personal curriculum,” “custom syllabus,” or even “anti-brainrot” content, this movement is not merely about logging off from social media; it’s about waking up to the richness the world offers.
Many individuals find themselves navigating a digital landscape where algorithms dictate what information comes their way. In this context, the choice to learn intentionally transforms into a radical reclamation of power. As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated and misinformation proliferates, prioritizing critical reading, verification of information, and the pursuit of truth becomes imperative.
A Renaissance of Learning
As noted by cultural commentator Shae O., we are witnessing a modern intellectual Renaissance. People are rediscovering handwriting, engaging in offline conversations, and deepening their connections with others. The personal curriculum trend reflects a broader cultural realignment towards intellectual curiosity, evident in how individuals customize their learning experiences around vibrant interests and passions.
Expanding Horizons in Education
For many, particularly Black social media users, personalized curricula have served as a mechanism to address gaps in formal education. This entails revisiting historical narratives often glossed over in traditional schooling, exploring rich bodies of Black literature, and studying the contributions of Black thinkers, artists, and innovators previously omitted from mainstream curricula. This approach not only empowers personal growth but also cultivates a connected awareness of one’s heritage and the diverse strands of knowledge available.
Building Your Own Personal Curriculum
Constructing a personal curriculum can be an exciting and fulfilling exercise. If you’re interested in forging your own, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Reflect on some thought-provoking questions to get started:
- What is one thing you wish you knew more about?
- What’s a hobby you wish you had more time for?
- What topic in school do you wish teachers had spent more time on?
- What was your favorite subject in school?
- What was your childhood dream? What drew you away from it?
- If you weren’t in your current profession, what field would you explore?
By engaging with these questions, you can begin to tailor your learning experience in a manner that feels organic and personal.
The Joy of Learning Without Constraints
As Olivia (@olivia.unplugged) aptly noted on TikTok, the primary rule of a personal curriculum is that it should feel fun and engaging. For some, this might involve delving deeper into the intricate realms of physics or embarking on the adventure of a new language. For others, it could manifest as listening to a niche podcast while taking notes, revisiting childhood favorites, or committing to exploring more fiction by Black authors.
The essence of the personal curriculum trend lies in its rejection of conventional educational systems. There are no deadlines, no grading rubrics, and no pressure to monetize the outcome. You become both the teacher and the student, shaping the lesson plan according to your interests.
Reclaiming the Right to Wonder
Ultimately, this movement signifies a profound shift in how we perceive learning. The focus isn’t on demonstrating expertise or mastering skills; rather, it’s about embracing the joy of learning at a deliberately slow, imperfect pace. In doing so, individuals reclaim not only their time but also their inherent right to wonder, question, and think for themselves, thus promoting a culture of lifelong curiosity.