The challenges of curriculum transformation

As has already been noted, achieving change in universities is difficult: implementing transformation is even more difficult. Universities are more comfortable with the continuation of practices that have been used for many years. While, encouragingly, there are some examples of successful implementation of program transformation, as has been noted, they are few. The factors that need to be addressed before change can be confidently established are numerous and complex. It requires thorough planning. Consequently it is advocated that some trials be initiated, after thorough development work, and rigorously evaluated. It would be beneficial if they could involve the co-operation and collaboration of a number of universities, who would then be able to share the benefits of the experience. Trials of change seem to be the best way to work through the many issues that need to be addressed. The trials should be undertaken with the objective of developing materials and experiences that can be shared with other universities. A small trial is scheduled to commence in a new degree program in Sustainable Systems Engineering at RMIT University, Melbourne in 2012.