CASCADE — SEA: Computer Assisted Curriculum Analysis, Design & Evaluation for Science Education in Africa

Abstract

The {CASCADE}-{SEA} program aims to support curriculum development within the context of secondary level science and mathematics education in sub-Saharan Africa. This project focuses on the iterative design of a computer-based curriculum development support system for the creation of classroom materials. Through this process, developers hope to gain a better understanding of curriculum development within this context, in addition to creating a product that is valid, practical and effective. The {CASCADE}-{SEA} endeavor is rooted in the notion that teacher development and curriculum development occur simultaneously, even synergistically. Thus, the prototyping process takes place through inter-related study of teacher professional development and curriculum development in the arenas of mathematics and science education in southern Africa. This chapter discusses the origins of {CASCADE}-{SEA} as well as the first three episodes of its prototyping process.