In a world where technology, science and history are constantly evolving, educational materials and teaching methods must be updated to reflect this. Curriculum change enables educational institutions to keep up with industry trends and advancements, and prepare students for future careers by providing them with the relevant knowledge and skills to meet employers’ expectations.
Moreover, the process of implementing a new curriculum can be an effective way to encourage student engagement, promote academic achievement and develop critical thinking skills. It can also help students build professional networks, gain practical experience through internships and projects, and develop a sense of purpose by applying their skills in real-world contexts.
However, the implementation of a new curriculum requires careful planning and consideration for teachers’ perspectives. It can be challenging to overcome the obstacles and challenges associated with the transition from a traditional education system to one that is more modern and adaptive to the needs of society, such as increasing global competitiveness, developing flexible learning pathways and accommodating the diversity of students’ interests, career aspirations and work demands.
In this study, interviewees from three institutes described different experiences in implementing a new curriculum. In Institute 1, participants described a lack of a clear governance procedure that resulted in a chaotic implementation, causing dissatisfaction and frustration. In contrast, in Institute 2, a clear governance procedure resulted in a relatively successful implementation of the new curriculum. In both institutes, teachers emphasized the importance of balancing hard and soft aspects of governance when enacting a new curriculum.