Program Description

The Course Design Institute (CDI) is a four-module program for instructors to learn a systematic approach to designing a learning-centred course plan and syllabus. The modules will be delivered consecutively over a four-week period, where the application of content is designed to scafold the other.

Participants will be equipped to make design decisions that support student engagement, meaningful learning and assessments, and equity and inclusivity. Facilitated with synchronous and asynchronous interactions, this institute will benefit instructors seeking to design or redesign a course for the upcoming academic year.

In completing the CDI, participants will:

• Design a learning-centred course using evidence-based approaches
• Write performance-based, measurable learning outcomes
• Design a learning-centred assessment plan that aligns with course learning outcomes
• Identify and describe learning activities and resources that will facilitate student attainment of the learning outcomes
• Design a learning-centred syllabus that communicates the course design
• Create an action plan to complete the course design

Format

The CDI will be facilitated in a blended format consisting of scheduled synchronous sessions, complemented by online materials and activities. The four modules build upon each other, culminating in an outlined course plan and draft syllabus. We recommend that participants participate in all modules in the sequence they are presented in order to attain the most success.

Schedule

Spring/summer 2021 dates: June 14-July 9

• Module 1: Learning Outcomes (June 14-18)
• Module 2: Assessments (June 21-25)
• Module 3: Activities (June 28-July 2)
• Module 4: Syllabus/course plan (July 5-9)

Time Commitment

Participants can expect to spend 6-8 hours per week engaged in reading, reflection, peer collaboration and discussion. Each module will have a mandatory synchronous session held at 2 p.m. (NST) on the Tuesday of each week. A second optional synchronous session may be offered each week.

To allow for peer support and learning, participants should expect to share their work (including a syllabus) and teaching experiences during the different online activities in the institute.

Eligibility and Registration

The CDI is open to all Memorial faculty members and instructors who have been assigned to teach in the upcoming academic year. Participants should be prepared to share the course syllabus they want to revise, or a draft syllabus of a course they are planning to teach.

Resource: Course Syllabus Design

Registration

Registration for the spring 2021 CDI is limited to 16, with a minimum number of 8 for the institute to be offered. Registration for the CDI will close at midnight (NST) on June 8, 2021.

Register

Applicants will be notified of the status of the institute and their acceptance by Thursday, June 10, 2021. Preference will be given to instructors intending to (re)design courses to be taught in the fall and the 2021-22 academic year.

Contact Information

For all information about the institute, view our program brochure (PDF).

If you have further questions, please contact Ruth Hickey, Manager, Learning Design and Development with CITL, at rbhickey@mun.ca.