Curriculum Builder
Overview
A visual way to design engaging courses by breaking sessions into multiple parts and quickly iterating on their sequence & structure.
Time
40 min. – 1 hr.
*Plus additional time for testing and refining
Materials
- Post-its
- Sharpie marker (or thicker, visible pen)
- Blank paper (or a blank, clean surface)
- A way to digitize your plan (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Suite, etc.)
Keep in mind
This is meant to introduce a new way of thinking and problem solving. Have patience as you go!
Questions or issues?
Contact aii@utah.edu
Download this tool
Inspiration
Consider buildings as collections of modular parts.
They have the same base components (windows, doors, entryways, corridors) but vary wildly in their experience, function, and appearance.
How might we use the concept of modular pieces to test and improve our students’ experiences
Activity Steps
Identify Students' Needs
What do we know?
- Attention spans are short
- Challenging content is difficult to learn & internalize
- Students want & need engagement
- Note-taking is a diminishing skill
- What else have you noticed? Jot them down on Post-it note(s)
How might we make the experience more engaging?
Document your class components
- On Post-its, record the components you use today in your class(es).
- e.g., your methods (lecture), tools, activities (independent work, group work), and techniques.
- Document your learning objectives, that drive your decisions on which components to use.
- Write one component/outcome per Post-it note.
Map out a typical class
- Place your components along a timeline in the sequence you normally follow. Feel free to add additional component Post-its as you go.
- Place your learning objectives & student needs to the side of your timeline to keep them top of mind.
Inspiration
Think about your class as a narrative you can change, splice, rearrange, and edit.
- What would the experience feel like if you tried alternate component sequences?
- How might that structure deliver on your learning objectives in a different way?
- How might that affect your class outcomes?
Rearrange your class
How might you restack your class to better solve for students’ needs and fulfill your learning objectives?
Add other components
Consider, research, and find other components you could add to the class to make it more engaging and to better deliver on your objectives. i.e., what new tools or technology could you use? Additional resources? Additional physical spaces or environments?
Iterate
Come up with at least 2 other approaches by restacking, rearranging, and adding.
Formalize your top approach
Create a ”run-of-show” document to help you organize logistics for your new class structure. Include time stamps, descriptions of each component, and facilitation notes as you see fit.
Test the approach in class
- Implement your new structure in your next class. Observe in real-time how it performs.
- After, debrief how it went by asking:
- What went well?
- What could be improved?
- What are some next steps?
- Reflect, iterate, & refine your plan as you see fit.