Curricular alignment is the process of aligning a program's curriculum with its goals.
Based on the definition provided by the University of Colorado Boulder, curricular alignment is a fundamental process in educational program design. It involves ensuring that all components of a curriculum work together effectively to achieve defined objectives.
Understanding Curricular Alignment
Curricular alignment is described as being part of a high-level approach known as backwards design. This design philosophy reverses the traditional approach by beginning with the desired end results.
Here's a simple breakdown based on the reference:
- Define Learning Goals: The process starts by clearly identifying the learning goals or intended outcomes. In the context of a program, these are often referred to as Program Level Learning Outcomes (PLOs).
- Align Curriculum: Once the goals are set, the curriculum (including content, teaching methods, and assessments) is designed or adjusted to ensure it directly supports students in achieving those specific outcomes.
This systematic approach helps create a coherent educational experience where teaching and learning activities are purposefully directed towards achieving established goals, rather than merely covering content.
Reference: Curricular Alignment - University of Colorado Boulder
