What is course design?
Course design ranges from small modifications to complete design or re-design. We use backwards design to focus on the things that students should be able to know or do by the end of a course (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005). By keeping the end in mind, we can work backwards and design courses to support student learning.
Elements of course design
We use the student-centred learning approach of constructive alignment to identify, strengthen and align connections between course content, activities, assessment and learning outcomes (Biggs & Tang, 2007). Student learning is enhanced when these three course design elements are connected and aligned (Blumberg, 2009). Using student-centred practices, we can design meaningful learning experiences that strengthen connections between people, knowledge and skills (Fink, 2013).
How can course design help you?
Using evidence-informed literature and practices to ground student learning experiences, course design can inform:
- writing course outlines
- creating appropriate student assessments
- fostering community and relationships
- reflecting on your teaching practice and course design
- selecting and sequencing content
- student engagement
- integrating learning technology
Common questions
Course design is an ongoing journey. Here are some common questions to think about:
- where are students having challenges?
- how can I foster relationships and community in the classroom?
- how do I find the balance between content and activities?
- what strategies can I use to engage students in a large classroom?
Example course design
Course title: Wellness 101
Course Design Program
The Course Design Program uses evidence-based practical strategies to help inform and direct your course design. This program will help you to develop an overall course design plan and identify practical strategies for designing, teaching, and evaluating your course, whether your course is online, in the classroom, or blended.
Learning Module: Adaptable Course Design
In times of uncertainty and potential disruptions, instructors need strategies and forward thinking to maintain teaching and learning continuity. Adaptable course design takes into account the opportunities within a course that a variety of learning environments and technology have to offer to help with that continuity.
Learning Module: Designing Student Assessments
Assessments are primarily developed to demonstrate achievement of course learning outcomes and serve as a motivational factor in driving student decision-making. This online module provides useful information about how to implement different types of assessments that are aligned to course learning outcomes.
References
Biggs, J. B. & Tang, C. (2011). Teaching for quality learning at university (3rd Ed). Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Blumberg, P. (2009). Maximizing learning through course alignment and experience with different types of knowledge. Innovative Higher Education, 34(2), 93-103
Fink, D.L. (2013). Creating significant learning experiences: an integrated approach to designing college courses. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Honeycutt, B. (Ed.) (2016). Flipping the college classroom: practical advice from faculty. Madison, WI: Magna Publications
Wiggins, G. & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design (2nd ed.). Alexandra, VA: ASCD.