Objectives

Each module needs measurable learning objectives. Think of learning objectives as the itinerary for each of the stops along the route to your planned destination (your course outcomes). Once your learning objectives are set and aligned, you can move on to formative assessments.

Assessments

Formative assessments allow students to show you that they have met the module learning objectives. They give students the opportunity to practice what they have learned. You could consider formative assessments as checking the map along your route so you can identify a wrong turn or make a correction.

Instructional Content

Now that you have the learning objectives and formative assessments handled, consider what you need to support students in achieving the learning objectives. What do you need to help them learn? This is called the instructional content or instructional strategy. In our driving scenario, you might think of instructional content/strategy as the mode of transportation (fly, drive, walk).

Learning objectives, formative assessments, and instructional content triangulate and align with each other. They should also support the Course Outcomes to ensure you get to your planned final course destination.

So what type of instructional strategies should you use? Videos? Assigned readings? Interactive elements? Think of the things you do in your classroom to instruct your students, and don’t be afraid to branch out beyond the tried and true. Adventure is out there!