READ | TEACHING @ | COURSE PREPARATION
Universal Design | Course Content | Course Goals | Structuring an Effective Course | Selecting Learning Activities | The Syllabus
At the heart of a
successful course
is the planning that precedes it. Good planning involves several
steps. First,
identify the content domain of the course. Then, decide upon the goals that
students are to reach at the end of the course. Next, select subject matter,
materials, learning activities, and teaching methods that are appropriate and
relevant to those goals and objectives. The instructor should then determine
how to engage students in the subject matter. And finally, design methods to
measure and evaluate students’ performance according to the objectives
and goals that were originally selected. These topics on the
subject of course
planning are all addressed in this chapter.
Universal
Design for Course Construction
The way in which students access,
process, and demonstrate information in a course can vary widely,
based on their
learning style, cognitive development, personality, cultural background, and
abilities.
Universal Design is an approach to designing course instruction, materials, and
content to benefit
people of all learning styles without adaptation or retrofitting. Universal
Design provides equal access to learning, not simply equal access
to information.
Universal Design allows the student to control the method of
accessing information
while the teacher monitors the learning process and initiates any beneficial
methods.
Although this design enables the student to be self-sufficient, the teacher
is responsible for imparting knowledge and facilitating the learning process.
It should be noted that Universal Design does not remove
academic challenges;
it removes barriers to access. Simply stated, Universal Design is just good
teaching.
Principles
- Use a variety of instructional methods when presenting material. (see Teaching Strategies)
- Allow for multiple methods of demonstrating understanding of essential course content. (see, Assessing Learning)
- Use technology to enhance learning opportunities and increase accessibility. (see Instructional Technology)
- Integrate natural supports for learning (i.e., using resources already found in the environment, such as fellow students for study partners).
- Invite students to contact the instructor with any questions or concerns.
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