Phase 1: Ideation

The first phase of Functional Course Design is focused on supporting instructors in the examination of their own and learner expectations for the course as well as the clarification of course outcomes and the development of aligned key assessments that adequately measure learner achievement of those outcomes.

Important Definitions

Course-Level Outcomes (CLOs) - Course-level outcomes clarify the broad skills and knowledge learners will develop throughout the course and guide the overall design of the course. These outcomes may originate in departments, programs, or be dictated by accrediting bodies.

Key Assessments - Key assessments, often referred to as summative assessments, are used to evaluate achievement of course-level outcomes (CLOs). They measure the extent to which the learner is able to demonstrate an appropriate level of competency across stated program, department, and/or accreditation outcomes.

Phase Objectives

• Establish goals for learners and instructor(s)
• Consider potential challenges for learners and instructor(s).
• Identify desired learner transformation.
• Determine overarching outcomes and summative assessments.