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Designing a Course from Scratch: A Hands-On Approach (9/17/24)

Designing a Course from Scratch: A Hands-On Approach

September 17, 2024

 

Presenter: Dr. Tammi Taylor, Department of Biology

Are you preparing to build a course from the ground up or refreshing your current curriculum? This hands-on workshop, led by Dr. Tammi Taylor, provides a step-by-step approach to designing courses that engage and inspire.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Clarify Your Vision: Define core objectives and align them with the needs of today’s students.
  • Plan Engaging Content: Discover tools and resources to create dynamic learning materials.
  • Innovative Assessment: Develop meaningful assessments that reflect learning outcomes.
  • Student-Centered Strategies: Integrate activities that empower students to take ownership of their learning.

Whether you’re revamping an existing course or starting from a blank slate, we dove into key questions every instructor should ask:

How do I make my course memorable?
A catchy course title can grab students’ attention, but how about your learning objectives? We explored how to craft clear, measurable objectives that help students understand why the course matters and what they’ll gain from it.

What activities resonate most with students?
Lectures alone don’t cut it. From interactive discussions to in-class exercises, Dr. Taylor shared examples of tasks that reinforce learning and keep students engaged. The importance of supportive materials was also highlighted, including ways to use Canvas and other online resources to enhance accessibility.

Are assessments doing their job?
An assessment isn’t just a test; it’s a tool to measure learning. Dr. Taylor discussed different ways to align assessments with learning objectives, explaining how regular quizzes, group assignments, and feedback loops help students track their progress while staying engaged.

Life Skills in the Classroom
Alongside academic goals, this workshop emphasized the value of imparting practical life skills. Setting firm deadlines, fostering discipline, and encouraging critical thinking can equip students for success beyond the classroom.

Growth Strategy and Flexibility
A solid course outline is the backbone of a great class, but flexibility is crucial. Dr. Taylor talked about ways to keep schedules tentative and adapt to student needs while still delivering a rigorous learning experience.

Ready to create a course students can’t wait to take? This workshop offered practical advice and inspiring examples to get started on designing courses that aren’t just informative but transformative.