FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND LIBERAL ARTS

MST1033 CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

Written Assignment: Critical Analysis of a Successful Educational Model.

What are its strengths and areas of improvement?

Assignment Overview

This assignment requires you (in groups of 2 or 3) to engage in a critical analysis of established curriculum models from a country renowned for its educational success. You will apply your research to a specific educational context, for example, higher education, secondary schools or early childhood education. This task will deepen your understanding of curriculum theory, design, and implementation, fostering your ability to critically evaluate and adapt educational approaches and skills highly valued in educational leadership and reform.

Course Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you should be able to:

· Critically analyze and synthesize literature on international curriculum models.

· Identify key components of effective curriculum design.

· Communicate complex educational concepts clearly and analytically.

 Course Learning Outcome

· Discuss the concepts, principles and models in curriculum design, and its interrelationship with instruction. (PLO2, C3);

· Evaluate the factors in designing, implementing and evaluating a curriculum. (PLO5, C5)

Assignment Task

You are to select one country famous for its educational models (e.g., Singapore, Finland, Canada, South Korea, etc.) and conduct a critical analysis of its curriculum model implemented at a particular educational stage and chosen educational context (e.g., higher education, secondary education, vocational training, early childhood education, adult learning, etc.)  You have to evaluate its underlying philosophies, strengths, limitations, and transferability. Your analysis and proposed framework must address the following key components of curriculum development:

a) Needs Analysis

· What to consider: Identify the current educational landscape, societal demands, learner demographics, existing gaps, and future skills required. How does your chosen country's model inform. how needs are identified? What are the specific needs of your chosen educational context that this curriculum aims to address, and how might the international model's principles need adaptation or critical re-evaluation for this context?

b) Target Group

· What to consider: Define the specific learners for whom this curriculum is designed. Consider their age, prior knowledge, learning styles, cultural background, socio-economic status, and aspirations. How does the chosen country's model cater to its target groups? How successful does this model cater to its target group?

c) Aims and Objectives

· What to consider: Clearly articulate the overarching goals (aims) and specific, measurable learning outcomes (objectives) of your selected curriculum. These should be informed by the principles observed in the chosen country's model. Differentiate between broad aims and specific, actionable objectives. How successful is this curriculum model in meeting its needs and objectives?

d) Content

· What to consider: Outline the subject matter, topics, skills, and values that are taught. Justify the selection and sequencing of content based on aims, objectives, and the insights gained from the international curriculum model. How is content structured and delivered in your chosen country's model?  and how will this influence your content selection? How successful is the organization of content in meeting its aims and objectives?

e) Learning Theories, Approaches, and Methods

· What to consider: Discuss the underlying learning theories (e.g., constructivism, cognitivism, behaviorism) that informs your chosen curriculum. Describe the pedagogical approaches (e.g., inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, collaborative learning) and specific teaching methods (e.g., lectures, group work, practical sessions, flipped classroom) that will be employed. Connect these choices to the strengths of the international model you analyzed.

f) Personnel

· What to consider: Identify the roles and responsibilities of the personnel involved in delivering and supporting the curriculum (e.g., teachers, administrators, support staff, external experts). Discuss their required qualifications, professional development needs, and how they will be supported. How does the chosen country's model address teacher training and support?

g) Material Selection

· What to consider: Specify the types of learning materials and resources that are utilized (e.g., textbooks, digital platforms, laboratory equipment, real-world case studies, community resources). Justify their selection based on their alignment with learning objectives, pedagogical approaches, and accessibility for the target group.

h) Monitoring and Support

· What to consider: Describe the mechanisms for continuously monitoring the curriculum's implementation and providing ongoing support to learners and educators. This might include feedback loops, mentoring programs, academic support services, and progress tracking. How does the international model ensure quality and support?

i) Chosen Educational Context

You must clearly state your chosen educational context at the beginning of your assignment. Examples include:

· Higher Education: A specific undergraduate program (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies).

· Secondary Education: A particular subject or stream (e.g., Mathematics curriculum for Grades 9-10).

· Vocational Training: A specific skill-based course (e.g., Culinary Arts program).

· Early Childhood Education: A curriculum for a specific age group (e.g., 3-5 year olds).

· Adult Learning: A professional development course (e.g., Leadership training for mid-career professionals).

Structure and Format

Your assignment should be presented as a formal report, approximately 2500-3000 words in length (excluding references and appendices).It should include:

1. Title Page: Your name, student ID, course name, assignment title.

2. Table of Contents:

3. Introduction: Briefly introduce the chosen country's educational model, your selected educational context, and the scope of your report.

4. Critical Analysis of Chosen Country's Curriculum Model: Discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and key characteristics of the curriculum model in your selected country, drawing on relevant literature.

5. Dedicate a distinct section to each of the nine points (a-i) outlined above, applying your analysis to your chosen educational context. Ensure clear headings and subheadings.

6. Conclusion: Summarize your key findings and the implications of your findings.

7. References: Use APA 7^th Edition.

8. Appendices (Optional): Include any supplementary materials (e.g., sample lesson plans, assessment rubrics) if relevant.

Assessment Criteria

Your assignment will be assessed based on:

· Depth of Critical Analysis: Thoroughness and insight in analyzing the chosen country's curriculum literature.

· Application and Justification: Coherence and logical justification of your proposed curriculum framework in relation to the chosen context and the international model.

· Adherence to Components: Comprehensive coverage and detailed discussion of all nine required components (a-i).

· Clarity and Cohesion: Organization, clarity of expression, and logical flow of arguments.

· Academic Rigour: Use of relevant academic literature and proper referencing.

Constraints

· Word Count: 2500-3000 words excluding references and appendices.

· Referencing: All sources must be cited using APA 7th Edition. Dependence on AI-generated summaries and unverified information will be penalized.

· Submission Format: Use Microsoft Word document and send to my email account @ [email protected]

· Deadline: Written Assignment (30%) 23.7.25.

· Please submit your assignment with the UCSI Cover page with your rubrics inserted.

· Late submissions and failure to follow the critical analysis guidelines will result in a penalty.