How to augment effectiveness and flexibility by curriculum development in Agricultural Higher Education

Abstract

The growing demand for more flexibility in higher education puts a claim on the adaptability of various layers of institutions for higher education. In line with this concern, this article puts forward a systematic approach for curriculum development as it was conceived and carried out in three institutes for higher education in the Netherlands and France. Drawing back on research on educational reforms and organisational change in professional organisations, it will be argued that modularisation of curricula has considerable advantages in relation to biological diversity in order to devise a study programme that is effective, efficient and adaptable to new research results. Furthermore, a top-down approach is elaborated with the aim to guarantee the best conditions for the elaboration of a coherent study programme in line with the latest research findings and in accordance with the requirements of the labour market and the institution's resources. Important conclusions are that a curriculum development project must always be ‘custom made’ and that the possibilities and the ambitions of both the institute and the study programme, should be taken as the starting point for the process. Dividing the curriculum development process into various design and implementation stages makes it possible to manage the process in an effective manner. The principal actors in the setting up of a modularisation programme are the Board of Governors, the directors of study programmes, the department co-ordinators and the teachers.