Initial alignment, course level alignment

Alignment is one of the most important aspects of course design. Ensuring that assessments, content, and objectives are in sync makes the development process more effective and efficient.

The course-level alignment process focuses on identifying the skills, concepts, and knowledge necessary to achieve the stated learning outcomes. It also considers the evidence needed to confirm that learners have acquired these skills, concepts, and knowledge – preferably evidence observable in the vocation or industry with which the course is aligned.

A completed course level alignment contributes to:

• Summative Assessment Plan: The observable performance or evidence of acquisition should inform both the type and frequency of assessments.
• Course Map: With the summative assessment plan in place, the identified skills, concepts, and knowledge should determine the topics and placement of assessments.

A course usually has multiple learning outcomes that often overlap. It's likely that skills, concepts, and knowledge will be shared, and that observable performance or evidence of acquisition will combine multiple skills, concepts, and knowledge.