The seven stages of curriculum development are the identification of needs, the formulation of objectives and outcomes, the selection of content, the organization of content, the selection and organization of learning activities, the selection of teaching methods, and finally the evaluation of the curriculum and its implementation. Each stage is essential if a curriculum is to be effective and successful overall. Let us take a closer look at each of the seven stages in more detail.
Stage 1: Identification of Needs
The first stage of curriculum development is to identify the needs of students. This is also known as a needs assessment and is intended to gather data and provide information on student needs. This can be done in a variety of ways, including surveys, interviews, tests, observations and meetings.
This step is very important, as it forms the basis for the rest of the curriculum development process. It is at this stage that the educator and educational institution decide what content and objectives will be set.
Stage 2: Formulation of Objectives and Outcomes
The second stage of curriculum development is the formulation of objectives and outcomes. At this stage, the educator outlines the goals and objectives of the course as well as what the learning outcomes should be. This should be based on the needs identified in the first stage and ensure that the curriculum meets the needs of the students.
The objectives should also be aligned with the educational institution’s goals, curriculum and subjects.
Stage 3: Selection of Content
At stage three of curriculum development, the educator must decide on the content that will be taught as part of the curriculum. This must be based on the objectives set in the previous stage and should also include any necessary prerequisites or supporting material.
The educator should ensure that only relevant, current and accurate content is selected and that it is appropriate to the students’ needs and learning outcomes.
Stage 4: Organization of Content
The fourth stage of curriculum development is the organization of the content. At this stage, the educator must decide how the content should be organized, which will have a large impact on the teaching and learning process of the course. This includes deciding the order of topics, how much time and detail will be devoted to each topic, what activities, assignments and/or assessments should take place as part of the course and whether or not to include support material.
Stage 5: Selection and Organization of Learning Activities
The fifth stage of curriculum development is the selection and organization of learning activities. At this stage, the educator must decide what activities should be carried out as part of the course, how they should be organized and how much time should be dedicated to each activity.
Additionally, the educator must ensure that the activities are feasible and that the resources needed for them are available and appropriate.
Stage 6: Selection of Teaching Methods
The sixth stage of curriculum development is the selection of teaching methods. This will largely depend on the nature of the content, objectives, activities and learning outcomes. The educator must decide which teaching and instruction methods to use as part of the course, such as lectures, demonstrations, discussions, field trips, lab work, audio-visuals, and so on.
The educator must ensure that the chosen teaching methods are feasible, appropriate and effective.
Stage 7: Evaluation and Implementation of Curriculum
The seventh and final stage of curriculum development is the evaluation and implementation of the the curriculum. This involves the educator and the educational institution deciding on how the curriculum should be assessed and evaluated, as well as what actions should be taken to implement it. This process can be done in a variety of ways and involves feedback from stakeholders and testing of the curriculum to ensure its effectiveness.
Conclusion
The seven stages of curriculum development are an essential process for ensuring an effective and successful curriculum. Each stage is vital and should not be overlooked.
The seven stages include the identification of needs, the formulation of objectives and outcomes, the selection of content, the organization of content, the selection and organization of learning activities, the selection of teaching methods, and finally the evaluation of the curriculum and its implementation.