3.3.1 Analysis
Thorough analysis will contribute to the quality of curriculum development. By obtaining
insight in the existing situation, the needs of those involved, and the conditions for
innovation, the relevance and practicality of the design can be increased at very early
stages. The aim of the analysis phase is two-fold:
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• to gain insight in the existing situation and the possibilities for improvement and
innovation
• to specify the desired features of the design (design specifications) and how these can be
developed (procedural specifications).
Important activities include an analysis of the user practice (context and needs analysis)
and an exploration of the scientific knowledge base (literature study and expert appraisal).
The analysis of the user context is needed to gain insight in the problem at stake, that is
the gap between the current and desired situation. The core question is: which problem
does the design address? A needs analysis looks into the perceptions of stakeholders on
the current situation – what works well, what should change - and the features of a more
desirable situation. A context analysis is aimed at exploring the problem environment and
mapping out the scope for innovation. Questions to be asked during a context analysis
include:
• what does the user context look like?
• what is the innovation scope, considering needs and abilities of the teachers, e.g. their
willingness to change, and conditions in the school (e.g. room for collaboration)?
• what means, including time, finances, and staff, are available for development?
Investigation methods that are frequently used in needs and context analysis include
interviews, focal groups, lesson observations, and case studies.
In order to make relevant and valid design decisions, it is also important to gain insight in
the state of the art knowledge base. This can be done by means of literature study, expert
appraisal, and the analysis and evaluation of existing projects and products. Questions
asked during the knowledge-base analysis focus on:
• What recent insights from educational research and subject matter discipline may be
used in the design?
• What available (related, promising) curricular products could serve as a source of
inspiration and what lessons may be learned from the implementation and the impact
of these products?