Peculiarities of the curriculum implementation (based on the UNESCO materials)

Abstract

The article states that the main goal of a quality curriculum is to provide students with a fair and comprehensive opportunity to acquire and develop knowledge, skills and values, as well as related competencies for effective and productive activities in life. The aspects that are part of the curriculum are listed: justification, goals, objectives, contents, methods, resources, time, evaluation, etc. It is found that the implementation of the curriculum places certain expectations on students, teachers, school administration, the education system and the authorities. It is explained that a quality curriculum prepares students for: awareness of the purpose and importance of learning, self-criticism, analysis, motivation, active participation in the learning process, openness to new ideas. The importance of teachers' work in the course of adaptation and implementation of the curriculum is stated. The importance of teachers taking advanced training courses is generalised, which provides: a clear explanation of the philosophy of teaching, learning and assessment; examples of using appropriate approaches within several topics; a list of additional sources and resources with recommendations for the gradual implementation of lessons. The need to use textbooks for teachers during the implementation of the new curriculum by teachers is indicated. The importance of assessing students' knowledge is substantiated not only to check how well the content is mastered and their skills are developed, but also to understand the strengths and weaknesses of particular students and ensure the effectiveness of classroom activities in the learning process for each participant. It is found out that during the implementation of the curriculum, school administration should: provide conditions for its full implementation (technical, material, favourable environment); encourage teachers to apply new methods and approaches in teaching; motivate teachers to cooperate in order to share experiences. A number of expectations regarding the education system and the authorities during the implementation of the curriculum are highlighted: rethinking the methods and approaches to teaching, assessment and learning; development of a unified evaluation system; providing all the necessary resources and equipment. Based on the research work of the UNESCO scientists, recommendations are given to ensure a flexible proportioning of time for the study of various subjects.