Curriculum Evaluation in Language Programs' Design and Development: A Critical Literature Review

Abstract

This paper attempts to present a clear critical explanation on curriculum evaluation in syllabus design considering the related literature, journal articles, and books. It attempts to make the explicit of the importance of this topic in education generally and language teaching / learning in specific, especially in the field of syllabus design. In this regard, it traces a number of issues such as: definition of evaluation, the importance of curriculum evaluation, participants in curriculum evaluation, approaches and procedures to conduct evaluation and eventually classification and purposes of evaluation. All these topics are critically discussed in detail based on various viewpoints which are suggested by researchers and scholars in education. The findings of this critical literature review unfold the fact that evaluation plays a major role in syllabus design before initiating a new course /program. Furthermore, it is an effective means to determine the success of the development of the ongoing course/ program and its accomplishment of the outcome and goals set in advance