Instruction & Assessment
Overview
This standard ensures that the course includes adequate content to meet the requirements for direct and indirect instruction per credit hour, assessments are included in a way that promotes academic integrity, and that instructions and expectations for course content and assessments are clear.
Summary of Evidence
Learners are provided with sufficient, varied forms of direct instruction (text/video lectures, readings, etc.) in accordance with Iowa Code credit hour requirements as outlined in the Credit Hour Policy.
Learners are provided with sufficient, varied forms of indirect instruction (formative practice, discussions, assignments, etc.) in accordance with Iowa Code credit hour requirements as outlined in the Credit Hour Policy.
Learners are provided with summative assessments in a manner that promotes academic integrity and compliance with the NICC Student Code of Conduct.
Learning activity instructions are clear and specific and descriptive evaluation criteria are provided (i.e. rubrics).
Rationale
Following the NICC Credit Hour Policy ensures that enough course content is provided for students to meet learning objectives.. Instructional techniques that are aligned with the course delivery mode should foster an engaging classroom environment that supports the attainment of course learning outcomes. Additionally, assessments should be designed and delivered in the LMS to promote compliance with the Academic Integrity Policy and the Student Code of Conduct.
Supporting Research
Hosler, Kim A., Arend, Bridget D. The importance of course design, feedback, and facilitation: student perceptions of the relationship between teaching presence and cognitive presence. Educational media international, 2012-09, Vol.49 (3), p.217-229
Checklist
These steps will help you build a course that meets proficiency in this standard.
Create ample, varied learning materials (narrated slides, lecture videos, etc.) in order to meet credit hour requirements for direct instruction and provide learners with options for engaging with instructor-created content.
Offer readings and activities in accordance with credit hour requirements for indirect instruction, and to provide ample formative practice and engagement opportunities for learners.
Create all assessments in the LMS. Utilize tools like Honorlock and Brightspace dates and/or release conditions to promote academic integrity.
Next-Level Recommendations
To advance your course design even more, consider these best practices:
Create authentic assessments whenever possible in place of traditional exams.
Consider providing options for student submission of activities and assessments that promote originality and inclusivity (audio/video submissions, etc.)
When developing multiple choice exams, create a pool of questions to draw from so each learner gets a different set of questions.
Provide learners with multiple ways to engage with course materials, you, and each other.
Building Guides
Use these resources to build course design elements in this standard.
