Building a co-creation of a curriculum in Universities is a complicated task, and needs quite a complex process that can be engaging both Lecturers and students.
To give you a starting lead, I have a link to Queen Mary University of London which has a diagram of most of the process: www.qmul.ac.uk
In the US nursing programs must be accredited by an accreditation agency and that agency's approval is what allows graduates to sit for the examination for their nursing license. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing specifies the required curriculum of both clinical and classroom content and minimum number of hours that the schools must provide such as pediatric nursing, med/surg nursing, etc. and the clinical hours for those areas. Various states can also specify more than the minimum hours in some topic or specify how many clinical hours can be simulation versus direct patient care once minimums are met. So, this is a long way to say there is sort of a framework, but every nursing program has some leeway in how it is done. When a RN student (or a practical nursing student) graduates from anywhere in the US, they should all have had the same basic information based on their type of program, but when and how they got it can differ.
Curriculum co-creation in higher education involves collaboration between educators, students, and sometimes other stakeholders (e.g., industry partners, alumni) to design and develop educational content, learning activities, and assessment methods. This process ensures that the curriculum is relevant, engaging, and meets the needs of all participants. Here are some strategies to effectively implement curriculum co-creation in higher education:
1. Establish a Collaborative Culture
Foster an Inclusive Environment: Create a culture where all voices are valued and respected. Encourage open communication and provide platforms for dialogue.
Training and Development: Offer workshops and training sessions for both faculty and students on collaborative practices, communication skills, and the principles of co-creation.
2. Engage Stakeholders Early
Form a Diverse Committee: Include faculty, students, industry experts, and alumni in the curriculum development committee to ensure diverse perspectives.
Needs Assessment: Conduct surveys, focus groups, and interviews with stakeholders to identify needs, preferences, and gaps in the current curriculum.
3. Co-Design Learning Outcomes
Shared Goals: Work together to define learning outcomes that reflect the knowledge, skills, and attitudes students should acquire.
Alignment with Industry: Ensure learning outcomes align with industry standards and future career requirements to enhance employability.
4. Collaborative Curriculum Development
Joint Workshops and Brainstorming Sessions: Hold collaborative sessions where all stakeholders can contribute ideas and feedback.
Iterative Design: Develop the curriculum iteratively, with regular reviews and opportunities for stakeholders to provide input and make adjustments.
5. Develop Engaging Learning Activities
Project-Based Learning: Design projects that address real-world problems and require input from both students and industry partners.
Active Learning: Incorporate active learning strategies such as flipped classrooms, peer teaching, and collaborative group work.
6. Flexible and Adaptive Assessment
Co-Create Assessment Methods: Involve students in designing assessment criteria and methods to ensure they are fair, transparent, and aligned with learning outcomes.
Continuous Feedback: Implement a system for ongoing feedback from students and faculty to refine assessments and improve learning outcomes.
7. Implement and Evaluate
Pilot Programs: Start with pilot programs to test the co-created curriculum and gather feedback for improvement.
Evaluation and Reflection: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum through surveys, focus groups, and performance data. Encourage all stakeholders to reflect on the process and outcomes.
8. Sustainability and Scalability
Document Processes: Keep detailed records of the co-creation process to guide future efforts and ensure continuity.
Institutional Support: Secure support from the institution's leadership for resources, time, and recognition of the value of co-creation.
Examples of Co-Creation in Action
University of Exeter: The Students as Change Agents initiative allows students to lead projects that enhance their learning experience and contribute to curriculum development.
UCL (University College London): The Connected Curriculum framework integrates research-based education, encouraging students and faculty to collaborate on curriculum design and development.
Monash University: The Co-Creation in Curriculum project involves students in the co-design of units, ensuring the curriculum is relevant and engaging.
Conclusion
Curriculum co-creation in higher education fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among students, enhances the relevance and quality of education, and prepares students for the challenges of the real world. By involving all stakeholders in a collaborative and iterative process, institutions can create a dynamic and effective curriculum that meets the evolving needs of society and the job market.
Probabilmente avreste bisogni di lavorare per progettazione individualizzata.
Ossia offrire la possibilità di partecipare a percorsi di orientamento e progetti di vita che siano finalizzati a definire gli obiettivi individuali e quindi in base a quelli, lavorando sulle competenze di scelta nel processo di presa di decisione (decision Making) potreste offrire la scelta degli insegnamenti coerenti con tale percorso. Comunque io credo che dovrebbe essere garantita la possibilità di acquisire le competenze di base in tutti i curriculi. Cordiali saluti
In your opinion, it should be started from individual development (individual design) for teachers or students or at the same time, in higher education?
Co-creating a curriculum in higher education involves a collaborative approach where students, faculty, and other stakeholders work together to design and develop course content and structure. This process begins with establishing a common vision, clearly defining educational objectives, and ensuring all participants share the same values and principles. Engaging stakeholders is crucial; students provide unique insights into what is relevant and engaging, while faculty must be open to innovation and adaptable in their teaching methods. Other stakeholders, such as administrators, employers, and alumni, can offer diverse perspectives. Creating collaborative spaces through workshops, seminars, and working groups allows for brainstorming and discussion. Participatory methods, such as surveys, polls, and focus groups, help gather ideas and opinions. Developing content together through co-writing and peer review ensures that the curriculum is comprehensive and inclusive. Integrating technology, such as online platforms and learning management systems, facilitates communication and continuous improvement. Piloting the curriculum and iterating based on feedback ensures it meets the needs of all stakeholders. Regular evaluation and reflection sessions help identify successes and areas for improvement. By fostering a culture of collaboration and celebrating contributions, higher education institutions can create a more engaging, relevant, and effective curriculum.
L'approche de co-creation pédagogique peut aussi être utilisée lors des projets tutorés où l'enseignant sert de conseiller, guide et coach tandis que les étudiants sont des créateurs d'organisations innovantes.
There needs to be more widespread adoption of the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) which seeks to place the learner at the heart of the curriculum. With new technologies and AI it has become easier to create more personalised learning and assessment which responds to the strengths, passions and interests of the diverse student body - this adoption will grow over the next few years I think.