Preparing for a Postmethod Pedagogy: A Transformative Approach to Curriculum Development

Abstract

The three parameters of postmethod pedagogy proposed by Kumaravadivelu (2001), particularly a pedagogy of possibility, are in line with and drew on the works of such critical pedagogists as Giroux (1988) whose idea of transformative intellectuals viewed it rightful for every individual teacher and learner to actively participate in the process of learning with their entire social, economic and political experiences; and even make reformations to the direction of pedagogy based on their understanding. However, curriculum development, as an integral part of pedagogy, may inhibit this transformative and dynamic learning by restricting teachers to set and prefabricated materials and guidelines. Nonetheless, teachers play a pivotal role in the realization of this transformative process since they are the executive recipients of curricula. This paper is an attempt to shed light on a transformative approach to curriculum development and holds, a transformative approach to curriculum development requires teachers to have a hand in curriculum development when they are invited by the curriculum to act so; and adapt or transform the curriculum when they are constrained by it.