CURRICULUM AND CURRICULAR ALIGNMENT
Clear course outcomes that align with all assignments, activities, and assessments provide students with a map of your course, which helps them learn, allowing them see the big picture and make connections within the course.
1) START WITH KEY PRACTICES
USE BACKWARDS DESIGN TO ALIGN ALL ASSESSMENTS AND ACTIVITIES WITH COURSE OUTCOMES
Start with a numbered list of the course outcomes. In the next column, list all course assignments, assessments, and activities that align with each outcome. Make sure everything in the course is aligned; cut any extraneous content that does not directly fit with course outcomes or are a ‘nice to have.’ Less is more. Students gain more from deep learning and critical thinking about key concepts.
BE INTENTIONAL IN CHOOSING COURSE MATERIALS
VARIETY MATTERS
Use a variety of course materials: text, video, simulation, games, etc. to appeal to a variety of learning preferences. Give students many opportunities to think about, read, watch, listen to, and discuss content during class.
MAKE YOUR CURRICULUM INCLUSIVE
Choose course content and curriculum representing a wide variety of contributors to the field so that all students can see themselves in the discipline. Make sure all course materials, technologies, and activities are accessible per CSU guidelines and ADA mandates.
CREATE A STUDENT-CENTERED SYLLABUS
THE SYLLABUS DOCUMENT
A syllabus is no longer considered merely a contract between instructor and student but rather an opportunity to set a supportive and welcoming tone with positive language that signals to students your belief they can and will be successful. Here are a few other considerations for syllabus opportunities:
- Consider co-creating with your students a classroom agreement and other course policies to add to your syllabus.
- Include a statement that expresses your commitment to an inclusive and equitable classroom, where diverse experiences and viewpoints are encouraged and valued.
- Use this accessible syllabus template
- Include a course map that shows alignment between course content, activities, assignments, and other assessments.
- This rubric will help you create a student-centered syllabus
- Use this accessible syllabus template
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR TEACHING ONLINE
As you create your online modules, include the learning objectives at the beginning of each module. Let the learning objectives guide the content and assignments included in each module.
2) USE THE TEACHING EFFECTIVENESS FRAMEWORK TO DEVELOP YOUR TEACHING
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES
Try some of these evidence-based teaching practices in your course
SELF-REFLECTION RUBRIC
Self-Reflection rubrics for you to use as you reflect on your teaching practice
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
Take a deep dive into Curriculum and Curricular Alignment
FOR ANNUAL REVIEW OF TEACHING
1) Choose a Domain
2) Set One Goal
3) Learn and Practice
4) Reflect
Starting with one goal, the step-by-step guidance takes the guesswork out of the annual review process
TILT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Best Practices in Teaching (BPiT) courses that align with the Curriculum and Curricular Alignment Domain
- Learning Outcomes and Course Alignment
- Creating Assignments
- Planning for Critical Thinking
- Rethink the Syllabus
Observe and be observed by colleagues in a non-evaluative, supportive, and growth-based way
Teaching Effectiveness Initiative Program
Earn a Curriculum and Curricular Alignment domain certificate
RECOMMENDED
READING
Selected chapters from these recommended books directly address Curriculum and Curricular Alignment.
Stop by TILT 231 to check out a copy or learn more about our Book Club Kits.
- Understanding by Design
- What the Best College Teachers Do (CH 2, 4)
- Engaged Teaching: A Handbook for College Faculty (CH 4)