Lived Experiences of Adventist Curriculum Planners in Curriculum Design at Timor-Leste Adventist International School

Arjem Noryn Agum

doi:10.63529/ajpe.v7i1.11199

Authors

Arjem Noryn Agum Adventist International Mission School

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63529/ajpe.v7i1.11199

Keywords:

curriculum planners, curriculum design, Timor-Leste, Adventist education, curricularists

Abstract

Curriculum planning and designing is a dynamic task that requires persistent creativity and critical thinking. Curriculum development has been a widely researched topic; however, there is a paucity of literature about the lived experiences of Adventist curriculum planners in Timor-Leste since there is only one Adventist K-12 school in the country. Therefore, this phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Adventist curriculum planners in curriculum design at Timor-Leste Adventist International School. Anchored on the curriculum theory, utilizing a purposive sampling technique, two curricularists were interviewed through a semi-structured interview guide. Two teachers were also interviewed, one class was observed, and some documents were collected for triangulation. The data was analyzed using Moustakas’ phenomenological framework of analysis. The results revealed that TAIS curricularists were first-time curriculum designers without any curriculum design background. They face multiple challenges in developing and implementing their curriculum including the physical and emotional toll. Moreover, the government has not provided any guidelines for international schools to follow, making curriculum development more challenging. However, they are still hopeful that TAIS will have a sustainable, stabilized, and contextualized curriculum. It is therefore recommended that the curricularists participate in any upgrading that will hone their curriculum development skills. Future researchers are also recommended to conduct broader research on the dissemination and implementation of the TAIS curriculum in its branches in the districts of Timor-Leste.

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