15 Alignment: It’s Not Just for Cars

When the wheels on a vehicle are not aligned, they don’t face the directions necessary for optimal handling. Although the driver may be trying to steer straight, the vehicle is veering in a completely different direction. The more misaligned the wheels get, the less reliable the steering becomes.

The same thing happens in course design. If your assessments and learning activities are not aligned with your course outcomes and learning objectives, your students’ learning will not go the direction you would like.

The following link is a StoryMap, illustrating the basics of alignment and Backward Design: Alignment and Backward Design: Making your vision a reality.