In the 21st century, educational landscapes are rapidly evolving, necessitating innovative approaches to curriculum design and development. This paper explores the critical role of curriculum design in enhancing teaching and learning to meet the diverse needs of modern learners. Through a comprehensive literature review, we examine advanced curriculum design models, and their effectiveness in fostering 21st century skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The study employs a case study methodology involving observations, semi-structured interviews, document analyses, and focus group discussions at a school in Dubai, UAE, focusing on grades 4 to 12. Our findings reveal the importance of integrating technology and interdisciplinary learning in the curriculum to create dynamic and engaging learning environments. The results also highlight challenges in implementation, particularly time management, and propose “design thinking” as a strategy to overcome these obstacles. This paper underscores the necessity of balancing innovative approaches with traditional methods to develop a holistic curriculum that prepares students for the complexities of the modern world.
Cite this paper
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