Programme and Module Design

It is important to consider questions of inclusion when designing teaching. Just as an architect considers accessibility when designing a building so as to avoid the need for future retrofitting solutions, course designers can consider accessibility when designing curricula so as to lessen the need for future reasonable accommodations.

Self-Evaluation & Module design checklist

Take time to complete a brief self-evaluation of your course design:

• teaching design practices (4 questions)
• programme design practices (7 questions)
• module design practices (6 questions)
• Module Design Checklist (Word, 399kb)

Guidelines for Inclusive Curriculum Design

Clarity and flexibility are central to inclusive curriculum design.

Clarity

It is important to know from the outset what is essential and non-negotiable in a module/programme of study and where flexibility can be introduced. To do this consider:

• Your learning outcomes,
• Skills, knowledge, and competencies required,
• Professional fitness to practice standards where applicable.
• Ensure students are clear on what will be expected within your module/programme. Offer clear, comprehensive information to students in advance.

Flexibility

• Seek to use technology as a supplement to classroom contact.
• Use a range of
  • teaching methods,
  • teaching materials,
  • assessment methods,
• Where possible, offer a choice of assessment methods (e.g. essays or presentations).
• Offer a choice between modules at programme level.

Facilities

• Consider library, IT, and group work facilities when designing teaching and assessment.

Timetabling

• Publish timetables in good time
• Clarify your attendance policy
• Consider the time is taken to get between venues when timetabling
• Start and finish classes on time