University Curriculum Development Models in Higher Education: A Proposed Model for Higher Education in Iran

The purpose of this study is to investigate the models of university curriculum to provide the one appropriated to the context of Iranian higher education. The research method was quasi-systematic review in which 41 articles selected from both Persian and English scientific sources consisted of the curriculum model and university curriculum development keywords. The articles are analyzed qualitatively by the method of expert judgment. The results of review indicated that the models are divided into two categories based on the type of design: process-based and result-based, and a range of themes of designing or arranging elements together, deciding on the place of program elements, program structure or organization, the patterns of learning and organizing materials, curricula structuring, university curriculum development process; academic design are emphasized in majority of documents. Agreed upon elements correspondingly comprised goals and objectives, content, or subjects, learning activities and experiences, teaching methods, implementation, and evaluation. Consequently, it is impossible to design a curriculum without considering the missions of the university, the context in which the university is situated, the stakeholders and the main elements of the curriculum. The final proposed research model covers these elements.