Getting Started with Backward Design: Meaningful and Measurable Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes and objectives are the first step in backwards design.

As such they hold the primary spot in the course development process. Faculty engaged in course or program development who are ill-equipped to design meaningful and measurable outcomes face the prospect of a poorly designed course and less than meaningful learning experiences for students. In addition, when outcomes and objectives are mandated by an institution and those outcomes are not meaningful and measurable, faculty can address this lack by designing module objectives that are meaningful and measurable. The process of developing learning outcomes that actively engage learners in a way that clearly describe what learners will learn and be able to do includes design principles to guide course authors.

The use of backward design provides for more relevant and meaningful learning experiences; ensures that the required course outcomes are met; and prepares learners to perform successfully on their final assessment. One starts with the end—the desired results (goals or standards)—and then derives the curriculum from the evidence of learning (performances) called for by the standard and the teaching needed to equip students to perform (Wiggins & McTighe, 2000).

What are the learning goals?

Upon completion of this seminar, you’ll be able to:

• Discuss the purpose and best practices of course outcome design
• Identify and refine the course outcomes in your own program, course, or unit
• Summarize the parts of the outcomes design process

Here’s what we’ll cover!

Pre-Design Phase:

• Conduct a Needs Assessment

Design Phase:

• Using Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy to Construct Objectives
• Characteristic of Well-Designed Learning Objectives

Post-Design Phase:

• Create a Course Map
• Propose Curriculum Design/Revision to Relevant Governing Bodies
• Program and Course Evaluation

Who should attend?

This seminar will benefit:

• Faculty
• Curriculum and instruction supervisors and/or directors
• Academic deans
• Department chairs
• Faculty development staff
• Assessment offices and leaders
• Accreditation leaders
• Online learning faculty and directors

What’s included?

Your seminar registration includes the following:

• On-demand access
• Downloadable PowerPoint presentations from the speaker
• Written transcript
• Supplemental materials
• 100% satisfaction guarantee

There is no limit to how many times the seminar is accessed while available on-demand.

Educational Development Resources for Your Entire Campus

Whether you are an educator or a leader at your educational institution or organization, Magna has resources for how you want to learn:

• Individual programs to fill specific learning needs
• Preselected programs that come to you on a regular schedule
• Deep dive courses for complete immersion to master skills in a specific topic area
• Program groups built around a specific topic area or discipline
• A complete professional development library covering educator’s needs in all topic areas

Want to learn more? Contact sales@magnapubs.com for a free consultation.

Product Code: PC19OA