Introduction: Alignment
Overview: "Alignment" in Instructional Design
In order to ensure student success at achieving learning objectives, it is important to align our assessment and instructional strategies with these learning objectives, as well as with each other. Consider these definitions:
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Learning objectives (aka., "Intended Learning Outcomes [ILOs]"): the specific things that students should be able to know and be able to do by the time they complete the learning experience. These should be specific and measurable, and are often preceded with the phrase: "By the end of this learning experience, students will be able to...". Tips on writing effective ILOs
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Instructional strategies (i.e., teaching methods): the specific learning activities used to help students achieve the ILOs and help to prepare them for course assessments. Tip: Keep students engaged by choosing Active Learning Strategies.
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- Assessments: the specific tasks/actions that are used to reveal/assess whether or not (or to what degree) students have achieved the intended learning outcomes. Tip: Use both Formative and Summative assessment strategies. Links to an external site.
Sewell, Frith & Colvin (2010) Links to an external site. have developed an educational triangle shown below. This visual shows the connections between developing, designing, and setting up the online class so all parts work together to help students learn. All components of a course should work together.