The educational landscape is constantly changing, driven by advances in science and technology, economic and social changes, and demands for global competitiveness. These changes can have significant implications for the curriculum and students.
For example, a change to a project-based approach can enable students to develop skills in teamwork and problem solving through real life scenarios. Similarly, competency-based learning allows students to demonstrate their understanding through a range of assessment methods rather than through traditional exams. However, curriculum change is not a simple process and needs to be carefully planned and implemented to maximize its impact on students and their education.
Faculty and staff members must be supported as they implement the curriculum change, and this requires a commitment to professional development opportunities. This can involve a range of activities, such as workshops and demonstrations, to help students gain confidence in the new curriculum. It is also important to provide support for teachers as they develop their teaching skills to meet the new expectations.
Despite their overall support for the curriculum change, basic science and clinical faculty interviewed expressed concerns about personal impact and turf issues as barriers to implementing the proposed changes. These personal concerns may be related to the desire to retain control of their subject matter and the feeling that the changes would undermine their authority. It is important for college leaders to recognize these concerns and ensure that they have adequate time, resources, and support to move forward with the curriculum change.
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