Developing a model for promotion of curriculum design culture in Iran's higher education based on grounded theory approach

Engagement in curriculum design process and promotion of curriculum design culture contribute to curriculum efficiency and effectiveness. However, it seems that the higher education authorities do not have a clear understanding of the role of curriculum design at universities. This research aimed to define and propose a conceptual framework for the promotion of curriculum design culture in universities and institutions of higher education. This research was a qualitative research type that was conducted using the grounded theory approach. The research population consisted of all curriculum experts, curriculum planners, and policy-makers of the higher education system of Iran. Using qualitative research design and selective sampling, in-depth interviews were conducted with 29 higher education authorities and experts. To establish the validity of the qualitative data, the method of participants checking was deployed. The results of the research indicated that the promotion of curriculum design culture in higher education system acts as the core category, which itself made of three dimensions, namely knowledge of curriculum design, concern for curriculum design and execution of curriculum programs. The development strategies and a final model were proposed based on causal conditions, core phenomena and context conditions.