Week 6: Curriculum design: Module Overview

play.png  Watch the following video introducing this module.

 Transcript [pdf, 141KB] Links to an external site.

In this module, you will be introduced to key topics for designing curriculum. Each of these expand on different aspects of curriculum design, enabling you to explore the topics you are most interested in. Links to further academic papers, resources or websites are available for those who are curious or want to know more. This module includes the following topics:

  • constructive alignment;
  • deep and surface approaches to learning;
  • active learning; and
  • flipped classroom.

As you move through this module, it is recommended that you keep a record of your ideas and responses to the activities.

Key Terms

The curriculum is an academic plan* which should include: the purpose of the curriculum (i.e. goals for student learning), content, sequence (the order of the learning experience), instructional methods, instructional resources, evaluation approaches and how adjustments to the plan will be made based on experience.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • identify different approaches to designing curriculum;
  • reflect upon your teaching practices; and
  • begin to apply your knowledge of curriculum design to your context.

* Definition sourced from: Lattuca, L., & Stark, J. (2009). Shaping the college curriculum: Academic plans in context. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass (as cited by the Centre for Research on Learning and Teaching, University of Michigan www.crlt.umich.edu/assessment/curriculumdesign)