The Spices Model of Curriculum Design

DEVELOPING   A CURRICULUM USING THE SPICES MODEL
after harden et al 1984 (univ. dundee)
Purpose of the SPICES model:
  1. to review an existing curriculum to see where improvements can be made
  2. to develop a new curriculum from scratch
  3. to tackle specific questions or issues relating to a curriculum
  4. to help decide on what sort of teaching methods to use on a course
  5. decide what format the assessment should take

Mnemonic
      S student centred vs teacher centred T
      P problem based vs information gathering I
      I integrated vs discipline based D
      C community based vs hospital based H
      E elective vs uniformed/standard U
      S systematic vs apprenticeship A

How to Do It:
    • You need to map out on the charts where you are now and where you feel you need to be. There is no such thing as an ideal place to be; it varies and depends on the aims and objectives of your course.
    • Slide the green arrow to where you are now.
    • Slide the orange star to where you would like to be.
    • Then try and list some possible realistic methods of change that would enable a move towards the ideal (orange star).
    •
Student Centred - Teaching Centred

  student centred     teacher centred
|SUMMARY                                                         |SUMMARY                                                         |
|Learners involved in curriculum design                         |Teaches design the curriculum                                   |
|Teaching content based on learners’ agenda                     |Teaching content prescribed by teachers on basis of what they   |
|Leaner centre methods used eg small group work                 |feel learners should know                                       |
|Expert outside speakers/resources little used                   |Largely dictatorial eg lectures                                 |
|Encourages self directed learning...