Developing responsive curricula in higher education: an embedded case study in the Netherlands

This paper examines the implementation of responsive curricula in higher education through an embedded case study of the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Groningen. The study analyzes a four-year project (2020-2024) aimed at developing responsive curricula across 17 bachelor and master programmes. A survey of 64 staff members involved in the project revealed notable changes in curriculum content, focusing on sustainability, data science, and professional skills. Teaching methods shifted towards active learning, blended learning, and creating an inclusive learning environment. The project positively impacted programme quality, organizational culture, and knowledge sharing, with three-quarters of respondents perceiving increase organisational readiness to respond to societal development and improve courses and programmes. Key tools for curriculum development included teaching innovation grants and discretionary programme-level budgets. These findings offer valuable insights for higher education institutions seeking to implement responsive curricula and navigate the complexities of organizational change in academic settings.