Every school and learning institution must design, develop and revise their curriculum in order to constantly respond to their learning objectives and needs. Every institution and program responds differently to these changes and adapts to them, but all follow the four stages of a curriculum planning cycle that ensure that the program, the students’ learning, and the outcomes are fully realized. Understanding the four stages of curriculum planning and the methods used to complete each stage help schools create effective, meaningful, and integrated curricula.
Stage 1: Needs Assessment
The initial step of a curriculum planning cycle is the needs assessment. During this stage, the curriculum and instruction staff analyze existing data to understand the demands that exist for a proposed curriculum. This could include analyzing the demographic data of the student population, current development and practices, accreditation requirements, instructional practices, and other existing assessments.
In addition, the staff may conduct surveys, interviews, student and staff focus groups, and discussions with stakeholders in order to identify any gaps between current instruction and the desired outcome of the curriculum. During this stage, the staff also reviews existing programs and identifies any weaknesses or areas of improvement.
This can easily be done by comparing the student’s performance and results to determine what type of instruction or modification might be necessary. With the data acquired, the staff then forms the core of the curriculum design and the desired learning outcomes that they want the curriculum to provide students.
Stage 2: Design and Development
The second stage of the curriculum planning cycle is the design and development stage. During this stage, the staff designs the learning experiences of the curriculum, paying special attention to the criteria and objectives which were established during the needs assessment stage. Educational models like multiple intelligences and values clarification models can be used to create instruction for different types of learners.
When designing the curriculum, the team also pays attention to any feedback that had been acquired from surveys and other assessments to determine ways to make the learning experience more effective. The curriculum team then develops learning activities, materials and lesson plans that are tailored to the specific learning objectives and criteria.
It is important for the staff to consider the different factors that may affect the outcomes of the curriculum such as student diversity, availability of resources, the environment, and any governmental requirements. The team ensures that instruction is engaging, appropriate and aligned to identified learning outcomes.
Stage 3: Implementation
The third stage of curriculum planning is the implementation stage. Once the curriculum design and learning resources have been created, the craftsmanship of the staff is seen in the delivery of the instruction. During the implementation stage, faculty and administrators communicate the expectations of the curriculum to teachers and other educators.
This is usually done through professional development sessions focusing on how to successfully deliver instruction based on the curriculum. The staff can also provide resources, such as textbooks and technology, to support the instruction and make sure that everyone is on the same page regarding their expectations of the program.
The staff also continuously monitors the instruction and its impact. Through this process they can identify any areas of improvement and provide feedback to faculty, administrators and students in order to make sure the curriculum is successful.
Stage 4: Evaluation
The final stage of the curriculum planning cycle is the evaluation stage. Evaluation is an important step as it helps the staff modify, revise and make improvements to the curriculum to ensure its success. Through evaluation, the staff gathers data to measure the effectiveness of the curriculum.
This data can come from student performance, faculty feedback, and evaluation of materials. The evaluation stage also helps the curriculum team to identify any gaps in the curriculum and determine what needs to be done to fill these gaps.
This can involve modifying the curriculum design, providing relevant professional development, or making changes in the delivery of instruction. By understanding how the curriculum is performing, the staff can make any necessary changes in order to comply with the desired outcomes.
Conclusion
Curriculum planning is essential for any educational institution. Curriculum planning consists of four main stages: needs assessment, design and development, implementation, and evaluation.
During each stage, the curriculum and instruction staff analyze, design, and develop the curriculum while paying attention to any feedback that is acquired to satisfy their learning objectives. The process of curriculum planning and evaluation helps ensure that students’ learning is successful, meaningful, and beneficial.