Course Design Institute

The Course Design Institute was developed to assist in planning and designing a college-level course. This is a hybrid program that generally runs for several weeks and usually takes place prior to the beginning of a semester. During this hybrid program, graduate students and postdocs complete online modules in Canvas and participate in face-to-face meetings.

During the program, participants will use the principles of backwards design to build a college-level course. Overall, participants will:

• Create and revise learning goals for students in their course.
• Draft an assessment plan, including a description of major assignments and/or exams.
• Select materials that will contribute to student achievement of stated learning goals.
• Develop a draft of a syllabus and course policies that support learning goals.
• Consider inclusive teaching practices and incorporate the principles of universal design for learning into their course plans.
• Formulate a plan for self-reflection and post-course assessment.

Time requirements for completion of the program components will vary depending on prior course development experience.