Factors Affecting Curriculum Reform
England's influence on colleges was strong in the colonial and early postcolonial period
of the United States, but the colleges "were remarkable and complex, a hybrid of
legacies, transplants, deliberate plans, and unintended aspirations" (Thelin, 2011, p.
11). Evolving and competing beliefs about what should be taught and how it should be
taught are central themes in the development of higher education. As Harada (1994)
stated, “the curriculum history of American undergraduate education has largely been a
reflection of the shifting perceived needs of society” (p. 1).
For your initial post in this discussion, examine curriculum change as presented by
Harada (1994) and determine what you believe are the key internal and external factors
that have influenced curriculum change over time. Provide an example of each of the
factors that you mention. Then, identify factors evident today that you believe will lead to
curriculum change in the near future. Explain why you consider each of these factors
significant.
Sample Solution
The curriculum of higher education has changed significantly over time. These changes have been influenced by a variety of factors, both internal and external to the academy. In this paper, I will examine the key factors that have influenced curriculum change, and I will identify some of the factors that I believe will lead to curriculum change in the near future.Full Answer Section
I nternal Factors There are a number of internal factors that have influenced curriculum change over time. These include:- The changing nature of knowledge: The body of knowledge that is considered to be important has changed over time. This has led to changes in the curriculum, as colleges and universities have sought to incorporate new knowledge into their programs.
- The changing needs of students: The needs of students have also changed over time. This has led to changes in the curriculum, as colleges and universities have sought to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the workforce.
- The changing nature of the academy: The academy itself has changed over time. This has led to changes in the curriculum, as colleges and universities have sought to adapt to new trends and challenges.
- Social and political changes: Social and political changes have often led to changes in the curriculum. For example, the Civil Rights Movement led to changes in the curriculum, as colleges and universities sought to incorporate a more diverse range of perspectives into their programs.
- Economic changes: Economic changes have also led to changes in the curriculum. For example, the rise of the information economy led to changes in the curriculum, as colleges and universities sought to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the digital age.
- Technological changes: Technological changes have also led to changes in the curriculum. For example, the rise of the internet has led to changes in the curriculum, as colleges and universities have begun to offer online courses and programs.
- The rise of globalization: The rise of globalization is leading to changes in the curriculum, as colleges and universities seek to prepare students for a globalized workforce.
- The increasing diversity of the student body: The increasing diversity of the student body is leading to changes in the curriculum, as colleges and universities seek to incorporate a more diverse range of perspectives into their programs.
- The growing importance of technology: The growing importance of technology is leading to changes in the curriculum, as colleges and universities seek to prepare students for a technology-driven world.