Developing Curricula in a Distance Learning Environment: Attending to the Different ‘Voices’

Abstract

The offering of curricula that are relevant and responsive to the needs of society is the ultimate goal of any higher education institution. However, there is a need to engage in a curriculum development process that attends to the different ‘voices’ by addressing the needs of the different stakeholders. Stakeholders’ voices and needs can be ascertained and addressed through a curriculum development process that involves both internal and external stakeholders from the initial stages of developing curricula, throughout the various stages. Such a process may not be linear but interactive, iterative, and collaborative. This paper unpacks the curriculum development process focusing on the key stages of needs assessment, stating curriculum/programme goals, selecting curriculum content and teaching and learning activities, designing learning materials as well as evaluating. It unpacks the importance of attending to the different voices in coming up with relevant and market-driven curricula.