Developing a Curriculum (DACUM)

What is Developing a Curriculum (DACUM)

Developing a Curriculum, or DACUM is a process for creating a comprehensive and systematic curriculum for a specific occupation or field of study. DACUM involves a team of subject matter experts (SMEs) who are familiar with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required for a particular occupation. The team works together to identify the essential tasks and responsibilities that are required to perform the occupation, and then creates a curriculum that is structured around these tasks.

The DACUM process typically involves the following steps:

1. Identify the purpose and goals of the curriculum.
2. Assemble a team of SMEs who represent a range of expertise and experience in the occupation.
3. Conduct a DACUM workshop, during which the team identifies the essential tasks and responsibilities of the occupation.
4. Organize the tasks into a logical sequence or structure.
5. Determine the appropriate content and learning activities for each task.
6. Develop a plan for evaluating the effectiveness of the curriculum.

The DACUM process is an important tool for creating effective and relevant curricula that are tailored to the needs and expectations of the target audience. It is often used in education and training settings, but can also be applied in other contexts where a systematic approach to curriculum development is desired.

See Also

Developing a Curriculum (DACUM) is a structured process used in education and training to analyze, design, and develop curriculum content based on the input and expertise of subject matter experts.

• Curriculum Development: Curriculum development is the process of creating a structured plan for teaching and learning, including defining educational goals, selecting instructional materials, and designing learning activities. DACUM is a specific approach to curriculum development that emphasizes input from subject matter experts.
• Job Task Analysis: Job task analysis is a systematic process used to identify and document the tasks, duties, and responsibilities required for a specific job role or occupation. DACUM often incorporates job task analysis to identify the key competencies and skills needed for curriculum development.
• Needs Assessment: Needs assessment involves gathering data and information to identify the learning needs and preferences of learners, as well as the requirements of employers or industry stakeholders. DACUM relies on needs assessment to ensure that the curriculum meets the needs of both learners and employers.
• Competency-based Education: Competency-based education focuses on the development of specific competencies or skills that are essential for success in a particular field or occupation. DACUM emphasizes competency-based approaches to curriculum development, aligning instructional content with identified competencies and job roles.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Stakeholder engagement involves involving relevant stakeholders, such as subject matter experts, educators, employers, and learners, in the curriculum development process. DACUM emphasizes stakeholder engagement to ensure that the curriculum reflects current industry needs and standards.