Unit information: Unit and Programme Design in 2011/12

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Unit name Unit and Programme Design
Unit code EDUCM5704
Credit points 10
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director Ms. Kit Leighton-Kelly
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

The Teaching and Learning Programme requires mandatory completion of the following other units, but (except in the case of the portfolio, which must be the final unit) does not specify the order of completion: EDUCM5701, EDUCM5702, EDUCM5703 & EDUCM5705
Co-requisites

None
School/department School of Education
Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit addresses the theory and principles of unit and programme design, emphasising the constructive alignment of teaching, learning and assessment as the basis of effective provision. Starting with an analysis of existing units and programmes of study and a scrutiny of aims and objectives, the unit develops a critical framework for the evaluation of units and programmes generally. There are sessions on the basic principles of unit design, writing learning objectives and a paired exercise in using these to design a programme of study. Although targeted at new academics, the unit will be of interest to any academic involved in the writing of unit and programme specifications.

Aims:

The aim of the unit is to enable participants to gain a better understanding of principles underpinning effective unit and programme design and to enhance their skills in the integrative design of programmes of learning for students.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Successful course participants will be able to demonstrate:

  • a good knowledge of the key issues and principles in effective unit and programme design;
  • skills in writing learning objectives that are appropriate and meaningful to students;
  • a capacity to align teaching approaches and assessment methods with intended learning outcomes;
  • an ability to use the frameworks developed in this unit to review critically this and other units and programmes of study;
  • a capacity to design programmes of study that promote, reward and measure appropriate cognitive strategies of students.
  • a good understanding of the potential of e-learning and e-support in effective programme design.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be via a mixture of formal tutor input, workshop, tutorial, and supported independent study approaches. The unit will employ a range of small group interactive teaching methods and will seek to demonstrate active learning techniques. It will employ participant presentations, department-based tasks that stem from participants’ normal practice, mentor tutoring and support, and personal tutoring support from programme tutors, both face to face and via a VLE.

Assessment Information

Assessment will be via an extended (2000 words or equivalent) reflective account based on a subject/department empirical inquiry and design initiative. In this account, participants would be expected to use the conceptual/theoretical frameworks developed in the unit to analyse, critique and evaluate programme design, approaches and outcomes. It must include:

  • reference to the principles addressed in the unit;
  • practices/approaches identified and the rationale for these;
  • proposed changes to the unit/programme design and the rationale for these.

In the assignment, participants are expected to show a good knowledge and understanding of key determinants of effective programme design, and how these have been used in the participants’ own curriculum and teaching designs.

Reading and References

Biggs, J.B. (2003) Teaching for Quality Learning at University. Buckingham, Open University Press.

Forsyth, I., Joliffe, A. & Stevens, D. (1999) Planning a course – practical strategies for teachers, lecturers and trainers. London, Kogan Page.

Marshall, S., Fry, H. & Ketteridge, S. (Eds) (1999) A Handbook for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Enhancing Academic Practice, London: Kogan Page

Turner, D. (2002) Designing and delivering modules, Oxford, The Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development.

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