{"id":10182,"date":"2026-10-07T15:43:58","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T14:43:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/?page_id=10182"},"modified":"2026-10-12T11:24:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T10:24:13","slug":"learning-design-in-practice-designing-effective-learning-with-abc-learning-design","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/learning-design-in-practice-designing-effective-learning-with-abc-learning-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Designing a Coherent Learning Journey, and ABC Learning Design"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This page introduces you to two key considerations for blended learning: Designing a Coherent Learning Journey, and ABC Learning Design, which is a rapid, collaborative curriculum design method developed at UCL that enables teaching teams to create a visual storyboard of the student learning journey. <\/span>It is designed for those who want to take a structured approach to the design of modules or sessions.<\/p>\n

Aligned to PSF: V1, V2, K1, A1<\/p>\n

You can develop your understanding of a structured approach to learning design, and using ABC by engaging with our related workshops, such as \u2018Designing for Engaging and Active Learning’ .<\/a> Find out more on the Cardiff LTA CPD page.<\/a> This is also developed further in the next Teaching Approaches section, where our teaching approaches toolkit highlights over 50 approaches categorised using ABC learning design.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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On This Page<\/h3>\n

Designing a Coherent Learning Journey<\/a><\/p>\n

ABC Learning Design<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Learning Design in Practice: <\/strong>Designing a coherent learning journey<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A well-designed module helps students understand how learning activities, assessments, and resources fit together throughout their studies. Providing a clear and structured learning journey reduces unnecessary confusion, supports engagement and helps students focus on achieving the intended learning outcomes. Thoughtful module design, clear communication and consistent organisation help create a more effective and inclusive learning experience.<\/p>\n

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Practical tips<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  • Create a student-facing module map to show how topics, activities and assessments connect.<\/li>\n
  • Organise Learning Central content in a clear and consistent structure.<\/li>\n
  • Use a simple and predictable module layout to help students navigate learning resources.<\/li>\n
  • Clearly communicate what students should do before, during and after learning activities.<\/li>\n
  • Signpost connections between topics, assessments and previous learning.<\/li>\n
  • Focus on quality rather than quantity when selecting learning resources and activities.<\/li>\n
  • Share learning materials in advance where possible to support accessibility and preparation.<\/li>\n
  • Apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles by offering flexible ways for students to engage with activities, access resources and participate in learning.<\/li>\n
  • Use consistent communication methods and tools throughout the module.<\/li>\n
  • Regularly review your module from a student’s perspective to identify areas for improvement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Structuring a Module<\/strong><\/p>\n

    In this two minute video, Andre offers guidance on structuring a module including tips for creating an engaging and effective learning journey for your students.<\/p>\n\n\n