PILOT TESTING,

MONITORING and

EVALUATING the

IMPLEMENTATION of

the CURRICULUM

PILOT TESTING OR FIELD TRY -OUT

• This process will gather empirical data

to support whether the material or the

curriculum is useful, relevant, reliable

and valid.

• Most field testing or try out follow some

form of research designs.

• Using the principles of curriculum writing and backed up by the content specialization of the writers and the consultants, the modules were written. The printed modules were reviewed by the consultants and peers, however, there was a need to try out or pilot test the activities and the field practicals by the users who are the student themselves.

• The try out or pilot testing assures the teachers and the schools that indeed the curriculum materials are ready for printing and distribution.

• Modification and revision are inherent

characteristics of a curriculum. The

pilot test or try – out is a

developmental process that gives the

signal as to whether the particular

curriculum can already be

implemented with confidence.

However, as the curriculum

is being implemented,

there is a need to

continuously monitor the

process

Curriculum Monitoring – Monitoring asks the question: How are we doing? Is

the curriculum accomplishing its intended purposes? Monitoring is also important to determine is the curriculum is still relevant and effective.

– Monitoring is a periodic assessment and adjustment during the try –out period.

– It is like formative evaluation.

– It determines how the curriculum is working, such that the monitoring report becomes the basis of a decision on what aspects have to be retained, improved or modified.

– Monitoring also provides decision that would even end or terminate the program.

– Usually, monitoring is done by the module writers, curriculum experts or outside agencies. It is very important aspect of curriculum.

Curriculum Evaluation

– Curriculum evaluation as part of total

educational evaluation refers to a

systematic process of judging the value,

effectiveness and adequacy of a

curriculum: its process, product and setting

will lead of informed decision.

– Evaluation should be useful and systematic.

The information gathered should be

important for the improvement of and for

final judgment of the curriculum being

evaluated.

In practice, two ways of

curriculum evaluation will

presented here. These are

School – Based Evaluation

and Accreditation.

1. School – Based Evaluation

– Is an approach to curriculum evaluation

which places the content, design,

operation, and maintenance of

evaluation procedure in the hands of the

school personnel. The school personnel

participate in the planning and conduct

of school evaluation activities. It is a

participative evaluation where the control

and management of the process rest on

the school personnel themselves.

Some advantages of the School – Based

Evaluation include the following: 1. Accountability is shared by all, hence

bias and conflict are minimized.

2. School personnel develop evaluation skills.

3. The real concerns of the school community are addressed by the evaluation.

4. Broad participation of school personnel provide opportunities for building school cohesiveness.

5. Provides reliable and valid information on curriculum, resources and general school functioning .

2. Accreditation

– This is a voluntary process of submitting a

curricular program to an external

accrediting body for review in any level of

education: basic, tertiary or graduate

school to assure standard.

– Accreditation studies the statement of the

educational intentions of the school and

affirms a standard of excellence.

What are the areas for accreditation under curriculum and Instruction?

1. Curriculum and program of studies

– Program of studies includes the clusters of

knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and

experiences that will provide students at

any level with the necessary

competencies for effective learning.

– A list of subjects or courses to be taken

and arranged in a logical order compose

the program of studies.

2. Classroom Management

– For effective instruction, the use of appropriate classroom management is suggested.

– The teacher who implements the curriculum sees to it that management of teaching and learning in the classroom follows procedure and guidelines to enhance and create an environment conducive to learning.

– An environment conducive to learning considers the physical factors such as classroom physical arrangements, ventilation, lighting, cleanliness while human factors include the teachers’ attitudes , students responses, teacher-students interactions.

– A good classroom management provides opportunities to develop independent lifelong partners who uphold and observe democratic practices.

3. Instructional Processes or Methodologies

– How to translate action into the written and planned curriculum is a concern of instruction.

– How should a lesson be taught?

– What teaching methodologies should be used for particular type of learners?

– Is there a fit or match between the lesson objectives set?

– Has teaching or methods of delivery accomplished the objectives set?

– The decision of choosing and using the method of teaching and using the method of teaching is a crucial factor in curriculum and instruction.

– There are varied teaching methodologies that are compatible with the different learning styles of the student .

– These emerging strategies of teaching follow principles and theories that enhance learning outcomes.

4. Graduation requirements

– Graduation means successful

accomplishments of the curricular

program of studies.

– A student has to accomplish its academic

program as prescribes in the program of

studies mentioned earlier.

– These requirements are clearly

understood upon enrollment in college by

the students and by the parents for

students in the elementary or high schools.

5. Administrative Support for Effective Instruction

– A curriculum can be best implemented if

there is support of the school

administration. In fact a school principal

for example has a distinct responsibility of

a curricular manager or manager of

learning.

– Quality instruction should be sustained by

requiring needed instructional materials,

high quality of examination questions and

other support for effective instruction.

6. Evaluation of Academic Performance

– In curriculum, it is necessary that learning

outcomes be evaluated. After all the best

measures of a curriculum is the learning

outcome of the students.

– The evaluation of students' performance

should make use of valid and reliable

tools which are periodically reviewed and

revised.

– Students should be informed and be

clarified about the grading system as well

as the standards used.