Curriculum Design Approaches

Richards (2013) identifies three fundamental approaches to language curriculum design, distinguished by their starting point:

Approach	Starting point	Key question
Forward Design	Syllabus content (grammar, vocabulary, functions)	What language should we teach?
Central Design	Classroom methodology and processes	How should we teach?
Backward Design	Learning outcomes and target competences	What should learners be able to do?

The three are not mutually exclusive. Most effective programmes blend elements: backward design at the programme level (defining outcomes), forward design for content selection and sequencing, and central design principles for responsive teaching within individual lessons.

Reference

• Richards, J. C. (2013). Curriculum approaches in language teaching: Forward, central, and backward design. RELC Journal, 44(1), 5–33.