Resources for Course Design
Learner-centred course design brings together the choices that shape what students will learn, how they will learn it, and how they will demonstrate what they know and can do. Whether you are designing a new course or revisiting an existing one, starting with your learners, context, and intended learning helps you make those choices with a clearer sense of purpose.
A well-designed course connects learning outcomes, activities, assessments, communication, and feedback. It also considers how students will access and engage with the course, where they may need support, and where they need enough challenge to keep developing.
The resources below offer practical guidance for working through these parts of course design, from building the foundation to planning learning and assessment, communicating the course, and designing feedback and grading.
Learn more about the Course Design Domain University of Alberta Framework for Effective Teaching.
Build the Foundation
Start with the decisions that shape your course:
- Know your learners and context
- Develop clear learning outcomes
- Build in accessibility, autonomy, Indigenization, and appropriate use of AI
Design Learning and Assessments
Design opportunities for students to learn, practice, and demonstrate their learning:
- Choose and design assessments
- Plan engaging learning activities
- Support participation, flexibility, and inquiry
Feedback and Grading
Use feedback and grading to support learning:
- Provide timely and useful feedback
- Assess student learning effectively
- Make grading more manageable and impactful