What are the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in curriculum innovation for higher education?

1 Students as co-creators

Students are the primary beneficiaries and participants of curriculum innovation, as they experience the learning outcomes, methods, and assessment of the new or revised curricula. Therefore, they have a vital role and responsibility to provide feedback, suggestions, and insights on the strengths and weaknesses of the current and proposed curricula, and to engage actively and creatively in the learning process. Students can also co-create curricula with teachers and other stakeholders, by sharing their needs, interests, preferences, and aspirations, and by proposing and implementing solutions to real-world problems.

2 Teachers as facilitators

Teachers are the main agents and facilitators of curriculum innovation, as they design, deliver, and evaluate the new or improved curricula in their courses and programs. Therefore, they have a crucial role and responsibility to adopt a learner-centered and evidence-based approach to curriculum development, and to collaborate with other teachers and stakeholders to ensure coherence, alignment, and integration of the curricula across disciplines and levels. Teachers can also facilitate curriculum innovation by fostering a culture of innovation, inquiry, and reflection among themselves and their students, and by seeking and applying new pedagogies, technologies, and resources.

3 Administrators as leaders

Administrators are the key leaders and supporters of curriculum innovation, as they provide the vision, direction, and resources for the new or revised curricula in their institutions and departments. Therefore, they have a significant role and responsibility to communicate the rationale, goals, and benefits of curriculum innovation to all stakeholders, and to create a conducive environment and structure for curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation. Administrators can also lead and support curriculum innovation by establishing and empowering teams, committees, and units for curriculum innovation, and by recognizing and rewarding the efforts and achievements of teachers and students.

4 Employers as partners

Employers are the important partners and beneficiaries of curriculum innovation, as they offer the opportunities, challenges, and feedback for the new or improved curricula to prepare students for the workforce and the society. Therefore, they have a valuable role and responsibility to articulate the skills, competencies, and values that they expect from graduates, and to collaborate with teachers and students to provide authentic learning experiences, such as internships, projects, mentoring, and guest lectures. Employers can also partner with curriculum innovation by sponsoring and supporting research, innovation, and entrepreneurship initiatives that address their needs and problems.

5 Policymakers as regulators

Policymakers are the influential regulators and promoters of curriculum innovation, as they set the standards, guidelines, and incentives for the new or revised curricula to ensure quality, equity, and relevance of education. Therefore, they have a vital role and responsibility to consult with various stakeholders, especially teachers and students, to understand their needs, expectations, and perspectives on curriculum innovation, and to formulate and implement policies that enable, support, and monitor curriculum innovation. Policymakers can also regulate and promote curriculum innovation by providing funding, accreditation, recognition, and dissemination of best practices and innovations.

6 Public as stakeholders

Public are the diverse and broad stakeholders and contributors of curriculum innovation, as they represent the society, culture, and environment that the new or improved curricula aim to serve and transform. Therefore, they have a relevant role and responsibility to express their opinions, concerns, and aspirations on the purpose, content, and impact of curriculum innovation, and to participate in the learning process as learners, mentors, or facilitators. Public can also contribute to curriculum innovation by providing resources, networks, and opportunities for learning, research, and innovation that address the local and global issues and opportunities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?