Alignment of developments in higher education

This study builds upon the concept of alignment within the curriculum(due to Biggs) and suggests, in the context of two current examples, anintegrated methodology for effectively aligned development activitieswithin universities. Higher Education institutions face importantchallenges. Firstly, quality enhancement of the curriculum is now aninstitutional concern, if not a priority, in the face of governmentalpressure and in a competitive environment. It is no longer a matter ofindividual endeavour. Secondly, we now have a basic pedagogy for adultlearning, and should put that into practice systematically. And thirdly,staff are now faced with the demand to commit themselves to professionaldevelopment, and to determine what that means in terms of theirparticular profession. This paper considers these challenges, andrelates them to the argument for an integrated methodology forinstitutional, staff and curriculum development, which aligns theseactivities rather more effectively than hitherto. At the same time, itadvocates a logical model for curriculum development, as a complementarytool of alignment for student-centred curriculum development.