An analysis of the perceptual differences held by stakeholders in the curriculum development process.

Abstract

The design and testing of a cooperative curriculum development model (The Secondary School Mathematics and Science Grant Program) incorporating active participation on the part of divergent stakeholders has significant implications for the field of education. The question under study was: what perceptual level of agreement exists between the various stakeholders over what should be accomplished by the curriculum (desirability) and what has been accomplished by the curriculum (accomplishment) across the variables of motivation, concept achievement, and relevancy. Data from the four stakeholding groups: curriculum writers, teachers, students, and health care professionals, indicate significant differences over the perception of what should be accomplished (desirability) exists. Students and teachers differed in their perceptions with curriculum writers as to what should be accomplished. However, in regards to the perception of what had been accomplished by the curriculum, all stakeholders shared similar levels of agreement. Teachers as users of the curriculum viewed what should be accomplished differently than curriculum writers. Teachers more closely reflected the views of students when assessing what should be accomplished by the curriculum. Curriculum writers were more closely aligned with professionals. Curriculum writers and professionals generally indicated higher levels of response for what was to be accomplished by the curriculum (desirability). Students as stakeholders perceived no difference between concept achievement and motivation across the levels of desirability and accomplishment. This might suggest confusion on the part of the student stakeholding group. However, students, as stakeholders did perceive differences in the relevance of what should be accomplished and what is accomplished. It is suggested that this difference lies in the difference between what is perceived as "school work" and what is perceived as "real work". The study has established the existence of a mutual interest on the part of the stakeholders in the curriculum development process. Through their participation, areas where common agreement appears to be lacking (desirability) as well as where it exists (accomplishment) have been identified.