In this article, the authors describe a method for assuring the quality of curriculum design based on techniques that have been used in industrial settings for over 30 years. Quality Function Deployment assures that the needs of the customer are considered at all levels of product design and a graphical matrix called the House of Quality serves as…

This article discusses a systematic approach to designing significant learning experiences, often referred to as the "backward design process," which has been popularized by Wiggins and McTighe (1998) and is included as a central feature of L. Dee Fink's model for integrated course design (Fink, 2003). The process is referred to as backward…

This paper addresses the dilemmas encountered by two secondary science education instructors designing a course for preservice elementary teachers. Taking into consideration past experiences of teaching education and science courses in general and with preservice elementary teachers in particular and recommendations from state and national…

Defines "course of study" as a statement of work and course goals and suggests the need to follow a consistent format in developing courses of study for community colleges. Reviews divergent points of view and offers a format for developing courses. (JOW)

This paper describes a contract approach to teaching a graduate course in educational psychology at Kent State University. The instructor, operating from a set of four premises, offered students a choice of differentially weighted project tasks, with specific criteria, which must total a minimum of 50 points. Options included a film critique (5…

Compares Organizing Principle, multi-syllabus, and modular approaches to second language course design and suggests a modular course design that offers the greatest flexibility for both the instructor and for future course planning by allowing the instructor to link various elements of this approach according to methodology and student needs.…

Processes of change are noted as a course for the postgraduate Diploma of Education (La Trobe University, Australia) is created. Outcomes indicated there should be a careful and totally honet examination of beliefs and attitudes before the notion of innovation is considered. (JB)

The unit learning system (a series of unit modules or minicourses" combined to form a conventional semester course) established at Pima College (Arizona) is discussed as an alternative to traditional course and curriculum design. (NF)

The student planned, student organized, and student evaluated educational psychology courses at Des Moines Community College proceed on democratic principles, with students voting on course content and design, the role of the instructor, course progress, and grading policy. (NHM)

This handbook is an inservice training manual and reference source for elementary school teachers who do not have a strong background in nutrition. It is also a curriculum guide with a suggested course of study for integrating nutrition education in grades kindergarten through six with other areas of study such as English, mathematics, and social…

The use of computers as a control device for large numbers of students is described in its five phases of operation: registration, instruction, examination, termination, and evaluation. Flow charts are included. (RAO)

Provides a general strategy for planning, developing, and teaching applied courses, suggesting that a variety of sociology courses can be designed around an applied focus. Describes the various stages of creating the applied course, illustrating exemplary actions to be taken. (KO)

Introduces writing instructors to theories of instructional design that form the foundation to support effective student learning. Discusses how best to support students in online environments. Concludes with suggestions for faculty support and training for online course delivery. (SG)

No work in social studies has been consistently referred to over the past 75 years as much as has "The Social Studies in Secondary Education," Bulletin No. 28 (1916) of the U.S. Bureau of Education. This volume, the "Report of the Committee on Social Studies of the Commission on the Reorganization of Secondary Education of the…