The development of approaches to curriculum planning to meet academic and professional objectives

The importance of developing a curriculum which satisfies the broad objectives of professional education has been recognized widely. The balance between enhancing scholarship and developing vocational skills, the importance of relevant evaluation of the curriculum, students and teachers and the place of research in current professional education are all matters worthy of consideration by those responsible for professional education. This paper reflects upon the historic attitudes to education and traces the changes in approach which have been necessary to ensure the provision of appropriate learning experiences for students seeking a professional education today.