How to use (five) curriculum design principles to align authentic learning environments, assessment, students' approaches to thinking and learning outcomes

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
File version
Author(s)
M. Meyers, Noel
Nulty, Duncan
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2009
Size

88941 bytes

File type(s)

application/pdf

Location
License
Abstract

In this article, we articulate five principles of curriculum design and illustrate their application in a third-year undergraduate course for environmental and ecological scientists. In this way, we provide a practical framework for others wishing to enhance their students' learning. To apply the five principles, we created a learning environment consisting of a broad range of learning resources and activities which were structured and sequenced with an integrated assessment strategy. The combined effect of this ensured alignment between the learning environment we created, the thinking approaches students used and the learning outcomes they achieved. More specifically, the assessment activities guided students by requiring them to recognise when their understanding was limited - and then to engage them in thinking approaches that would develop their understanding further. By providing a framework of thoughts, ideas and information, we sought to progressively enhance the sophistication of our learners' thinking. Thus, the assessment required students to integrate, synthesise and construct their understandings in ways consistent with the discipline and the professional pathways on which they had embarked. We intend that this illustration will act as a guide to other academics to adopt the same principles in their teaching.

Journal Title

Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

34

Issue

5

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2009 Routledge. This is an electronic version of an article published in Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, Volume 34, Issue 5, Pages 565 - 577 . Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education is available online at: http://www.informaworld.com with the open URL of your article.

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Education Assessment and Evaluation

Education

Persistent link to this record
Citation
Collections