{"id":10188,"date":"2026-10-07T15:46:16","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T14:46:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/?page_id=10188"},"modified":"2026-10-07T15:46:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T14:46:16","slug":"learning-design-in-practice-designing-a-coherent-learning-journey","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/learning-design-in-practice-designing-a-coherent-learning-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"Learning Design in Practice: Designing a coherent learning journey"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Designing a coherent\u00a0learning journey\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why it matters<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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\u00a0engagement\u00a0and helps students focus on achieving the intended learning outcomes. Thoughtful module design, clear\u00a0communication\u00a0and consistent organisation help create a more effective and inclusive learning experience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Practical tips<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Create a student-facing module map to show how topics, activities and assessments connect.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Organise Learning Central content in a clear and consistent structure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use a simple and predictable module layout to help students navigate learning resources.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clearly communicate what students should do before, during and after learning activities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Signpost connections between topics,\u00a0assessments\u00a0and\u00a0previous\u00a0learning.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Focus on quality rather than quantity when selecting learning resources and activities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Share learning materials in advance where possible to support accessibility and preparation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles by offering flexible ways for students to engage with activities, access resources and\u00a0participate\u00a0in learning.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use consistent communication methods and tools throughout the module.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Regularly review your module from a student&#8217;s perspective to\u00a0identify\u00a0areas for improvement.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"TextRun SCXW34273678 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW34273678 BCX8\">Resource<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW34273678 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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<!-- iframe plugin v.6.0 wordpress.org\/plugins\/iframe\/ -->\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"image w-100%\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiff.cloud.panopto.eu\/Panopto\/Pages\/embed.aspx?id=ea88165a-e846-4883-97fc-b12900af0231\" width=\"100%\" height=\"500\" scrolling=\"yes\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/xerte.cardiff.ac.uk\/play_21502\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Learning Central Good Practice Guide<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to review and enhance your module in four key areas:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Structure and Organisation<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Learning Materials<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Assessment and Feedback<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Module Communication<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The guide provides both\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Essential<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Enhanced<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0practices to support a clear,\u00a0accessible\u00a0and engaging student experience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reflect and apply<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Open the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/xerte.cardiff.ac.uk\/play_21502\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Learning Central Good Practice Guide<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and choose one of the four areas: Structure and Organisation, Learning Materials, Assessment and Feedback, or Module Communication. Review your module against the relevant checklist and\u00a0identify\u00a0one change that would make the learning experience clearer, more\u00a0accessible\u00a0or more engaging for students.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"accordion accordion-accessible\"><div class=\"accordion-section\">\n        <h2 class=\"accordion-section-header-title collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#content-deeper-dive-designing-a-coherent-learning-journey-1\"\n        aria-expanded=\"false\"><svg class=\"icon icon-chevron-right\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 19.75 32\">\n    <title>Chevron right<\/title>\n    <path d=\"M6.13,28.28L18.41,16,6.13,3.72,9.84,0l16,16-16,16Z\" transform=\"translate(-6.13 0)\"><\/path>\n<\/svg> Deeper dive <\/h2> <div class=\"accordion-section-body collapse \" id=\"content-deeper-dive-designing-a-coherent-learning-journey-1\"><h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Constructive Alignment in Practice: Bridging Outcomes, Activities, and Assessment<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Constructive alignment, a foundational framework developed by John Biggs, underpins effective learning design. It combines the idea that students actively build understanding through engagement\u00a0with deliberate alignment between Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs), learning activities, and assessment tasks. When aligned effectively, every\u00a0component\u00a0of a module works together to guide students smoothly toward success.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 aria-level=\"4\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Core Components of Constructive Alignment<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:319,&quot;335559739&quot;:319}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0ILOs explicitly define what students should know, understand, and be able to do by the end of the learning journey. Using active verbs (such as\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">analyse,\u00a0synthesise, or\u00a0evaluate<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">)\u00a0establishes\u00a0the target cognitive level and guides both teaching design and student expectations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Teaching and Learning Activities (TLAs):<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Learning activities must directly simulate or practice the cognitive processes specified in the ILOs. Rather than passively receiving content, students should engage in tasks\u00a0that allow them to actively construct their knowledge.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Assessment Tasks and Criteria:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Assessment methods measure how effectively students have met the ILOs. Whether formative or summative, assessment tasks should directly require students to\u00a0demonstrate\u00a0the target skills and knowledge under clear, criterion-referenced standards.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 aria-level=\"4\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why Constructive Alignment Matters for the Learning Journey<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:319,&quot;335559739&quot;:319}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Promotes Deep Learning:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0When learning activities and assessments mirror the core outcomes, students are encouraged to engage deeply with material rather than adopting surface-level or purely strategic study tactics.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Demystifies Expectations:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Transparent alignment reduces ambiguity. Students can clearly se<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">e\u00a0why\u00a0they are completing specific tasks, how independent study connects to live sessions, and what<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is\u00a0required\u00a0to perform well in assessments.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ensures Equity and Coherence:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Mismatches between what is taught and what is assessed create friction and disadvantage learners. Systematic alignment ensures that all students are provided with the scaffolded practice necessary to succeed before taking summative assessments.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qmul.ac.uk\/queenmaryacademy\/educators\/resources\/curriculum-design\/constructive-alignment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A useful summary of the key elements of Constructive Alignment from Queen Mary University<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div><\/div>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Designing a coherent\u00a0learning journey\u00a0\u00a0 Why it matters\u00a0 A well-designed module helps students understand how learning activities, assessments and resources fit together throughout their studies. Providing a clear and structured learning [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":9344,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[51],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10188","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-learning-design"],"meta_box":{"cu_accordion":"","cu_alert":"","cu_tabs":"","cu_quote":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10188","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9344"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10188"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10188\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10360,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10188\/revisions\/10360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10188"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10188"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10188"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}