Why is course design important?
Course design is the intentional planning of learning experiences to achieve specific educational outcomes. Intentional course design that is based on proven models and uses evidence-based effective practices is the best way to share the passion for your subject with your learners while also ensuring that every learner is set up for success. In higher education, effective course design:
- Improves student engagement and success
- Aligns learning activities with assessment and program goals
- Supports diverse learners through inclusive and accessible materials
Whether you’re teaching face-to-face, online, or in a hybrid format, a well-designed course provides students with a clear pathway to success and makes teaching more rewarding. We know that faculty often receive little training in this process, so the Center for Teaching & Learning provides the expertise to support you in designing your courses.
The Backward Design Approach
One of the most effective frameworks for course planning is backward design.
Rather than starting with lectures or readings, backward design begins with the end in mind:
- Identify Desired Learning Outcomes
Define what you want students to know, understand, or be able to do by the end of the course. - Determine Acceptable Evidence
Decide how you’ll measure whether students have met those outcomes (assignments, projects, exams, portfolios, etc.). - Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction
Select content, activities, and resources that lead students toward the intended goals.
By aligning goals, assessments, and activities from the start, you create a clear, purposeful learning experience.
Learn more about Backward Design from the Grant Wiggins video below, or stop by CTL to check out Understanding by Design, Expanded Edition, by Wiggins and McTighe (2006)
The UMPI Learning Experience
- Effective design means more students will be able to participate in deeper learning experiences that foster successful learning.
- At UMPI we take pride in our ability to support students where they are in their learning process, and in our dedication to creating an amazing educational experience for all students
- We co-create the culture and expectations that we hold students to and hold ourselves to those same standards
- Whether in general education or program-specific education, UMPI courses, and the faculty who teach them focus on creating Learning Outcomes that are actionable, measurable and skills-based
Click the numbers above to explore more information about the Course Design Cycle
Explore Resources & Tools
The following guides, templates, and tools will help you bring your course to life.
Need Help?
The Instructional Designers at the Center for Teaching & Learning are ready to help you with all of these steps. Email us at umpi-ctl@maine.edu or Book a Meeting now.
Ready to Get Started?
Consider these key process documents before you dig into your course building process:
A look at some learning models
The Instructional Designers at CTL are content experts in how people learn–because if you understand a bit about how learning happens, then you can design activities that are really effective at moving students toward the learning outcomes. It is important to note that different learning models may work better for certain delivery modalities, and may even complement specific kinds of activities–when in doubt, or if you would like to talk about strategies to support or tweak your current model, please reach out.
Here is just a sampling of a few learning models used in higher education which can inform your instruction at UMPI:
Constructivist Approach
Gagne’s 9 Events
Blended Learning
Kolb’s Learning Cycle