Curriculum Development

Introduction

Curriculum provides a framework for Durham College's core business - teaching and learning. This policy promotes a transformation from instruction or content driven curriculum to learning driven curriculum, clearly placing learning at the forefront of all curriculum development and renewal activity. Clearly articulated program and course learning outcomes support this learning driven curriculum.

Purpose

This policy provides a context for post secondary curriculum development and renewal throughout a program's life cycle; it provides a basis for curriculum decisions, including the development of curriculum procedures and processes.

Definitions

"Curriculum" refers to intended learning outcomes, content and subject matter, activities and experiences, and assessment and evaluation, the purpose of which is to enable the achievement of learning goals. Curriculum results from the input of government, external advisory bodies, students and faculty.

"Authentic Assessment" refers to a form of assessment which asks students to perform real-world, complex tasks that demonstrate meaningful application of essential knowledge, skills and attitudes.

"Active Learning" is a process of learning new ideas, skills and attitudes by doing, performing, and taking action. The action can be either mental or physical and can include but is not restricted to devices such as games, simulations, introspection, and role playing.

"Delivery Modes" refers to a variety of methods used to interact with learners. Examples include but are not restricted to traditional faculty led face-to-face formats, web delivery, hybrid courses and self directed learning.

"Learning Outcomes" are statements describing essential, complex performances. They indicate what a learner is expected to know, understand or do, as a result of a learning experience.

"Program Life Cycle" refers to the developmental stages experienced by a program from conception to closure.

"Program Team" includes faculty teaching in a specific program, but might also include a program coordinator, dean, associate dean, student liaison, technician, and students.

Policy Statements

1. Curriculum is the shared responsibility of program teams who collaboratively develop, review and revise program curriculum.
2. Curriculum will comply with the Credentials Framework (Minister's Binding Policy Directive on Framework for Programs of Instruction), MTCU Program Standards.
3. Development and renewal of curriculum will be influenced by government guidelines, emerging workplace needs, stakeholder input, college policies, technology, and resources
4. Curriculum is outcomes based and learning centered. Content, learning resources, learning activities, assessment and evaluation all derive from, and align with, learning outcomes.
5. The development and renewal of curriculum will be consistent with the following principles:
   1. Curriculum is purposeful and intentional;
   2. Curriculum is current and relevant;
   3. Curriculum is based on sound learning and curriculum design principles;
   4. Curriculum provides active learning opportunities for students;
   5. Curriculum provides viable pathways into, through, and beyond programs;
   6. Curriculum recognizes diversity within our communities and contributes to the development of a respectful learning environment;
   7. Curriculum aligns content, learning resources, and authentic assessment with learning outcomes, regardless of delivery modes.
6. The primary vehicle for communicating curriculum to students, faculty and administrators is course outlines.

A detailed description of the process for implementing this policy is contained in the Curriculum Development Procedure.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Vice-President, Academic, is responsible for ensuring that the Curriculum Development policy is fully implemented.

A detailed description of roles and responsibilities relating to this policy is provided in the Curriculum Development Procedure.

Related Procedures

Curriculum Development Procedure
Post-secondary Program Review and Renewal Procedure
New Program Development Procedure
General Education Procedure

Related Policies and Directives

Minister's Binding Policy Directive-Framework for Programs of Instruction, April, 2005

Board Policies:

• IV. Executive Limitations: Programs of Instruction

College Operational Policies:

• ACAD - 103 - General Education Policy
• ACAD - 104 - New Program Development Policy
• ACAD - 105 - Program Review and Renewal Policy