Course Design using Constructive Alignment
Devised by Professor John Biggs, constructive alignment is a principle used for devising teaching and learning activities, and assessment tasks, that directly address the learning outcomes intended in a way not typically achieved in traditional lectures, tutorial classes and examinations. There are two basic concepts behind constructive alignment:
Download the .pdfs for the framework HERE
This first video offers a framework for course design applicable at university level.
- Learners construct meaning from what they do to learn. This concept derives from cognitive psychology and constructivist theory, and recognizes the importance of linking new material to concepts and experiences in the learner's memory; thereafter, application to possible future scenarios.
- The teacher makes a deliberate alignment between the planned learning activities and the learning outcomes. This is a conscious effort to provide the learner with a clearly specified goal, a well designed learning activity or activities that are appropriate for the task, and well designed assessment criteria for giving feedback to the learner.
Download the .pdfs for the framework HERE
This first video offers a framework for course design applicable at university level.
Satish Patel, ICT Coach at Umeå University & Nordic Interactive Solutions