Evaluating the Quality of the Curriculum in Skills Training(Case Study: Architecture Discipline of Shariaty Technical and Vocational University)

The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of the curriculum in skills training in architecture discipline of Shariaty technical and vocational university. The research was executed using an exploratory mixed methods research approach. Data were collected through the semi-structured interviewing technique and a researcher-made questionnaire. Statistical population of the qualitative section consisted of curriculum experts, faculty members of technical and vocational universities and employers, among whom 18 participants were selected through a purposive sampling method. Statistical population of the quantitative section consisted of students, graduates, and lecturers of the faculty of architecture of Shariaty Technical and Vocational University in Tehran. The sample size was determined using Cochran formula and through simple random sampling method which consisted of 109 students, 275 graduates, and 82 lecturers. Content validity was used to determine the validity of the interview questions and the questionnaire and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to estimate the reliability of the questionnaire. Findings obtained from interviews were categorized and the results obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics and SPSS software. Findings revealed that there is a significant gap between the current and ideal architecture curriculum. From the students' views, the quality of the curriculum was evaluated as unsatisfactory, and from teachers’ and graduates’ views to be at a relatively desirable level. Therefore, based on research results, in order to improve the quality of technical and vocational curriculum and to fulfill the goals and objectives of the university, curriculum need to be revised and, be developed on a skill-based and job-creating basis as far as possible.