HE523 Unit 9 Seminar Factors that Influence Curricular Decisions July 13, 2011

Tonight’s Topic Throughout this course you have explored several factors and entities that influencing choices related to curriculum development and change. Some of these factors include: global and regional economic trends labor markets external factors such as professional associations social and learning philosophies political interests an institution's own identity

Tonight’s Topic Based on your own experiences and what you have learned in this course, what role does an institution's mission serve in determining curricular decisions? What effect do factors such as economics and politics have? How much influence should professional associations exert?

Key Concepts The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines curriculum as, “The courses offered by and educational institution ( webster.com). Curriculum is also often referred to as learning content, activities, and structures as experienced by students. “The curriculum of a school is the formal and informal content and process by which learners gain knowledge and understanding, develop skills, and alter attitudes, appreciations, and values under he auspices of that school” (Doll, 1996, p.15). “In the final analysis, the curriculum is nothing less than the statement a college makes about what, out of the totality of…constantly growing knowledge and experience, is considered useful, appropriate, or relevant to the lives of educated men and women at a certain point of time” (Rudolph, 1977).

Key Concepts In its broadest definition, curriculum design is planning everything that happens in a program from student recruitment through conferral of the degree at graduation. It is the mission, vision, and philosophy in action. Rudolph, F. (1977). A history of the American undergraduate course of study since 1636 (p. ix). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Key Concepts A planned curriculum design should give direction to strategic initiatives, assessment, course development, program outcomes, budgeting, faculty hires, and research initiatives. Courses and objectives, individual lectures, student assignments should match the design. Everything taught should be related to, and consistent with, the curriculum design. Curriculum designs should be referred to frequently for these purposes and be explicitly connected to what happens in courses. When stakeholders set out to review of revise curriculum, they typically seek a curriculum that is more engaging, inviting, and effective. They seek designs distinctive to their institutional setting, including their particular mission, social context, educational philosophy, students, and faculty. The emphasis it typically on enhancing quality and cutting costs often drive curricular decisions.

Key Concepts In it’s interest to serve a diverse array of constituents, a college or university will respond to changing needs and expectations. But, in an attempt to be all things to all people, the institution oftentimes becomes vulnerable to “mission drift” or a gradual dilution of effectiveness as the institution becomes increasingly thin.

Factors that Influence Curriculum global and regional economic trends labor markets external factors such as professional associations social and learning philosophies political interests an institution's own identity others?

Can we talk? Based on your own experiences, coupled with what you have learned in this course, please share your thoughts on the following: What role does an institution's mission serve in determining curricular decisions? What effect do factors such as economics and politics have? How much influence should professional associations exert? Please don’t be shy…

References Doll, R. (1996). Curriculum Improvement: decision making and process. (Ninth edition). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2011). Retrieved from Rudolph, F. (1977). A history of the American undergraduate course of study since 1636 (p. ix). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Thank You Contact: Dr. Jeff Bailie