In brief: While the instructional framework provides a concrete template to follow when planning instruction, it can be adapted. Concepts and skills often need to be taught side by side, and when this is the case, the flow of instruction can vary depending on how you approach the topics. The four phases of instruction give a concrete framework for planning the sequence and types of activities for learning. Download Instructional Flow [...]

In brief: All activities in a unit of instruction should follow the general Instructional Framework to include Introduction, Presentation, Practice and Application. These should all work towards helping students meet the learning outcome. When planning a unit of instruction, you should plan both appropriate learning activities and ways to give and receive feedback on learning at each phase of instruction. This section will guide you through the process of planning a unit [...]

In brief: For each unit or module, there are four essential phases of instruction that focus on the intended learning outcome: Introduction, Presentation of Content, Practice and Application. Feedback is a key component of instruction and should be included in planning at every phase of instruction for improved student learning. Several Instructional Design Models and frameworks that exist outline the entire process of designing a learning experience from analyzing the audience to [...]

In brief: Instructional planning is the deliberate selection and sequencing of learning activities both in and out of the classroom to best support the achievement of the learning outcomes. Typically, instructional planning works at the unit level with one or two learning outcomes as its anchor. A unit may span over a few weeks and include one or more in-class sessions. You may need to break your course down into smaller, more manageable chunks [...]

In brief: As you finalize each of your assessments for your course, you will need to consider them as a whole and determine if your strategy is balanced in relation to your learning outcomes and diverse in the methods you use. The weight of each assessment should be related to the effort of work required and the portion of the learning outcomes being assessed. The timing of assessments is influenced by many factors including [...]

In brief: Many factors make an assessment effective. Scaffolding assignments promote deeper learning by distributing learning and providing regular feedback. Designing assessments using authentic tasks that are framed around students’ interests, experiences and backgrounds increases motivation and engagement. Once you have determined the type of assessment to use, you should plan the scope and sequence details of the assessment task. The scope refers to the depth and breadth of content and skills [...]

In brief: Establishing clear grading criteria will help you grade with better objectivity, consistency and transparency. For collaborative projects, peer evaluation is a good way to ensure individual grades reflect contributions of each group member. Participation is a common part of university course assessments. Instructors should be explicit about the grading criteria for participation. Grading Equity, Transparency, and Efficiency When it comes time to grade your assessments, how will you approach them? [...]

In brief: Your choice of assessment methods will depend on the type and level of learning outcomes you have defined for your course. By using a variety of assessment methods, you can assess a wider range of skills, give students the opportunity to demonstrate their learning in multiple ways, and get more reliable results. In order to select the most appropriate assessment methods and learning outcomes, you’ll need to work [...]

In brief: Course alignment is the key to good course design and aligning your assessments with your learning outcomes is central to effective assessment design. In this way, you ensure that your assessment tasks match and measure the most essential knowledge, skills, and values you intend for your students to develop in your course. Assessment is an important and influential factor in shaping the student’s learning focus. As Instructor, you [...]