Numbers Diagram II

Introduction to Alignment in Course Design

Click on the icon to elaborate on each component of alignment.

What is Alignment in Course Design?

The Backward Design Approach

The Alignment Triangle

The Backward Design Approach

Backward design is a framework introduced by educational researchers Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe, where course planning begins with the end in mind: the learning outcomes. Instead of planning activities first, instructors start by identifying the course’s goals and then determine the most effective assessments and learning activities to achieve these outcomes.Step 1: Identify Desired Learning Outcomes – Determine what students should know or be able to do by the end of the course. Step 2: Determine Acceptable Evidence – Plan assessments that will effectively measure whether students have met these outcomes. Step 3: Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction – Develop instructional activities that support students in meeting the outcomes and succeeding on assessments. By prioritizing outcomes and assessments before activities, backward design ensures that every part of the course serves a specific purpose related to the learning goals.

The Alignment Triangle

The alignment triangle visualizes the relationship between learning objectives, instructional activities, and assessments. Each element supports the others to create a cohesive learning experience: Learning Objectives: These are the foundation, defining what students should be able to accomplish by the end of the course. Objectives should be specific and measurable, often using action verbs that align with cognitive skills (e.g., “analyze,” “evaluate,” “create”). Instructional Activities: Activities such as lectures, discussions, and practice exercises help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to achieve the objectives. For example, if the objective is to “analyze historical events,” an activity might involve analyzing primary source documents. Assessments: Assessments allow students to demonstrate what they’ve learned, providing evidence of their progress toward meeting the objectives. For example, a quiz, project, or essay should directly measure the skills described in the objectives. When these three elements are consistently aligned, students clearly understand how each aspect of the course fits together, reinforcing their focus on achieving the learning goals.

What is Alignment in Course Design?

Alignment in course design refers to the intentional connection between learning objectives, instructional activities, and assessments. When these components are aligned, every element of the course is geared toward helping students achieve the intended learning outcomes. This coherence in design makes the learning experience meaningful and goal-oriented. Without alignment, courses can feel disjointed to students. For instance, if an assessment does not directly measure the skills outlined in the objectives, students might feel unprepared or unsure of what’s expected. Effective alignment ensures that: 1. Learning objectives clearly communicate what students should know or be able to do by the end of the course. 2. Instructional activities support students in gaining the skills and knowledge they need to meet the objectives. 3. Assessments provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their mastery of the objectives.