The Design Process
The design process is the first and most important part of developing a course. Whether you are working with an existing course or developing a new one, designing the course takes a tremendous amount of time and planning to promote student success.
Beginning the course design process requires you to think in a macro sense. In this phase of planning, we are looking at the overall course, and not the assignments and activities. Instructors and designers should ask questions like:
These are essential questions that instructors should ask regardless of teaching environment. Without considering their answers, your course may lack the structure and flow it needs to be successful.
Beginning the course design process requires you to think in a macro sense. In this phase of planning, we are looking at the overall course, and not the assignments and activities. Instructors and designers should ask questions like:
- What is the purpose of this course?
- What should students be able to do (or know) at the end?
- What knowledge or skills should they have before they start?
- How will I assess students to determine knowledge and skill mastery?
These are essential questions that instructors should ask regardless of teaching environment. Without considering their answers, your course may lack the structure and flow it needs to be successful.
Watch this short video for an example of this process in action.
|
|
Getting started often means beginning with the end. In other words, what is the goal (end) of your course for students? Think of this as "reverse instructional engineering". When working backwards through a concept, ask yourself, "What do I need to know to be able to do this?" Continuing to ask this question will help guide you through the design process. Change is not always easy, especially if you have become comfortable with a routine that has brought success. Deciding to reinvent your course is a bold first step to improving your instruction and the overall value of your class. |
