Course (re)Design & (re)Development is a dynamic process that allows faculty to revisit and refine course structures, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of students and align with institutional priorities. This process involves using data and feedback to inform decision-making, drawing on insights from learner profiles, student success, and course evaluations. By engaging with data-driven approaches, faculty can better understand the learning needs of their students and create engaging, inclusive, and effective courses. The goal is to ensure courses are continually adapted to foster student achievement and contribute to the academic success of all learners. 

The design and development phase includes defining clear course learning outcomes, mapping out the course structure, and creating detailed course outlines that serve as the foundation for effective teaching. Equally important is the implementation and evaluation phase, where faculty ensure courses comply with institutional policies, engage with the Education Council to maintain alignment with educational standards, and embrace continuous improvement practices. 

Data & Analysis 

Data and analysis form the foundation for curriculum development, ensuring courses are aligned with accreditation, industry trends, and student needs. This phase uses insights from learner profiles, feedback, and success data to identify opportunities for improvement and guide curriculum changes. 

Collect and analyze employment trends, job market demands, and industry skill requirements to ensure programs align with workforce needs. This data helps shape program outcomes, course offerings, and experiential learning opportunities that support graduate employability. 

Review educational trends, competitor programs, and policy changes to identify opportunities for innovation and program differentiation. Understanding shifts in the academic landscape supports strategic program design and ensures relevance within the broader post-secondary sector.

Analyze enrolment trends, student demographics, and indicators of student success to assess program sustainability and impact. Internal data, including admissions and completion patterns, supports evidence-based decision-making and helps refine program structures to enhance student retention and success.

Design & Development 

The design and development phase focuses on building cohesive course structures grounded in design principles, accreditation standards, and adult learning theories. Faculty create measurable learning outcomes, align assessments with those outcomes, and ensure content follows principles of Indigenization & Reconciliation, Inclusive Pedagogy, and Experiential Learning.

Develop or refine learning outcomes that are specific, measurable, and aligned with program goals, institutional priorities, and accreditation requirements. These outcomes act as a foundation for designing engaging, purposeful learning experiences.

Use course mapping to align learning outcomes with assessments, activities, and instructional strategies in a structured way. This process ensures coherence and helps identify gaps or redundancies in the curriculum. 

Create comprehensive course outlines that clearly communicate learning expectations, grading policies, and an organized roadmap of content. Effective outlines provide instructors and students with a shared understanding.

Implementation & Evaluation 

Implementation and evaluation ensure curriculum stays current, equitable, and relevant through regular updates, feedback, and reflective practice. This phase embeds diversity and inclusion into curriculum planning while continuously refining outcomes to meet learner needs. 

Ensure program design aligns with institutional policies, accreditation requirements, and regulatory standards. Understanding these guidelines supports compliance, streamlines approval processes, and helps faculty navigate curriculum development within broader academic and governance structures. 

Engage with governance bodies to review, approve, and refine program structures. Collaborating with the Education Council ensures alignment with institutional standards, priorities, and stakeholder expectations, promoting standardization across programs while facilitating transparent curriculum decision-making. 

Regularly assess and refine programs using data, formal and informal feedback, and emerging trends. Implement changes that enhance student learning, promote equity and inclusion, and maintain program relevance to ensure graduates are well-prepared for academic and professional success.

Next Steps

Dig Deeper

Browse the Course (re)Design & (re)Development Resources folder in SharePoint for advanced resources, such as strategies for aligning course outlines with program outcomes, collecting and interpreting learner data, tools for data-driven decision-making, and guides for fostering continuous improvement through reflective practices.

Read About It

Read the CTL Blog posts on Course (re)Design & (re)Development for personal insights and responses from the CTL team on this important topic impacting education.

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