Curriculum design
Effective curriculum design is the key to successful student learning and outcomes. A higher education curriculum comprises many dimensions, including:
- course aims
- student learning objectives
- learning outcomes
- choice of content
- teaching methods
- learning activities
- assessment tasks
- evaluation methods
Well designed courses are characterised by 'curriculum alignment' where there is a clear and direct relationship between all dimensions of the curriculum. Student learning is also enhanced when academic staff make explicit connections between the various curriculum components. Students learn best when they can make meaningful links between their assessment and the learning objectives and outcomes of the course.
The GIHE provides resources and workshops on principles of effective curriculum design. Online resources are available at Curriculum Design Resources.