Curriculum Change: Working with Teachers’ Professional Knowledge Rather than Against it

The word ‘curriculum’ does not simply mean a set of instructions, but a refers to all the things that go on in and out of classrooms concerning student learning. Therefore when we think about curriculum change we need to consider far more than prescribing textbooks, methods and course outlines : we need to know in detail what the teachers and students are already doing, what they want to do, and what they think about potential changes ; and we need to involve them in any changes. This paper describes a investigation into the current ‘curriculum-in-action’ at this university. The authors conclude that although there is little in the way of formal curriculum requirements, in fact teachers are teaching broadly similar skills, though with a considerable variety of methods and learning activities. Both teachers and students expressed general satisfaction with current courses, though they also had some suggestions for improvements. The authors recommend that future curriculum change should build on the strengths of the current status quo by encouraging and supporting exchange of ideas and materials between teachers.departmental bulletin pape