Managing Curricular Innovation

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of instituting change in language education programs. Markee presents a theoretical framework based on an analysis of six different examples of curricular and teacher innovation. The text then illustrates how the framework was applied to the management of a major curricular change in a U.S. university program. An analysis of this case study leads to the formulation of nine principles that language teaching professionals may use to guide their own management of educational innovation. The conclusions reached will be of interest to language teachers, researchers, teacher educators, and program administrators.

Originally published in 1983. This book deals with theories of innovation and activities of innovating and the relationships between them, and will help to clarify some of the underlying theories and enable practitioners to make a more professional response to the demands and pressures for innovation. The book analyses some case studies of educational innovations carried out on both sides of the Atlantic and suggests what lessons might be learned from them. It stresses the importance of the active involvement of teachers in the decision-making process and emphasises the importance of a rigorous and broadly based evaluation of innovation. The controversial issue of the use of external consultants in schools is discussed. Written in a clear style, free from jargon, theories are not discussed in isolation or for their own sake, but are applied and related to educational practice.

Most South African principals believe that subject heads and Heads of Departments should manage curriculum and teaching monitoring instead of (HODs). Due to this impression, curricular management by principals does not support teaching and learning.

`Each chapter in the book is firmly rooted in research and is well referenced as one would expect of such a book. It will be of particular use to people with an academic interest in this aspect of school management but will also be thought-provoking for those who are involved in the development of the curriculum within their institution′ - escalate This book explores many of the new aspects of the core business of schools and colleges, that is, the curriculum. Keeping the focus clearly on learning and teaching, the contributors explore the practical issues for managers at institutional level, within the context of their need to understand and analyze key educational values and principles. Part One presents overviews of theories and models of curriculum, while Part Two examines how these are applied through planning, monitoring and evaluating. Part Three explores in detail the various managerial roles within schools and colleges from leaders to those responsible for cross-curriculum work and special educational needs. The fourth part discusses the importance of effectively managing resources for the curriculum - the environment, support staff and finance. Contributors use empirical research evidence to analyze current curriculum trends whilst proposing various new models which are likely to emerge in the 21st century.

ELT teachers today are faced with a bewildering choice of aims, methods and materials. How can they design or choose language curricula best suited to their learners' needs? What options are open to them in designing and introducing new Syllabuses and methods? In answering these questions, the author begins by reviewing historically the development of ideas on language teaching and language curriculum. He describes various types of syllabus, both past and current, and he highlights the assumptions, principles and aims underlying them. Proposing curriculum renewal is one matter; introducing it into an existing system is quite another. The effective management and implementation of curriculum change forms the basis of the successful introduction of new syllabuses, materials and methods, issues about which the author offers theoretical guidance and practical advice based on evidence derived form the study of innovation in education.

This book explores the importance of evaluation in relation to language projects and programmes, the management of change and innovation, and in improving language teacher development.