Continuous Improvement Process
Continuous Improvement Process
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A foundational concept of Instructional Design at the University of Arizona is course upkeep. This is where the Continuous improvement process comes into the picture. It is a specific protocol we use to work with instructors to make sure their courses are as good as they can be. It involves taking inventory of the current course design, a series of structured meetings, educating instructors about available tools, and a mutually agreed upon plan of prioritized improvements. Every course is unique, so every course needs something different. My role in this procedure is to organize those needs into a logical plan and use a variety of approaches to help the instructor walk away with the course they dream about. Continue reading to find out the possible aspects that go into this work.
A foundational concept of Instructional Design at the University of Arizona is course upkeep. This is where the Continuous improvement process comes into the picture. It is a specific protocol we use to work with instructors to make sure their courses are as good as they can be. It involves taking inventory of the current course design, a series of structured meetings, educating instructors about available tools, and a mutually agreed upon plan of prioritized improvements. Every course is unique, so every course needs something different. My role in this procedure is to organize those needs into a logical plan and use a variety of approaches to help the instructor walk away with the course they dream about. Continue reading to find out the possible aspects that go into this work.
Building Rapport and Getting Buy-in
Building Rapport and Getting Buy-in
Understandably, instructors are possessive of their courses. They do not want just anyone to make any changes in their course design. So it is imperative to build trust with them by demonstrating expertise, making my process and intentions clear, and making them feel comfortable enough to talk about aspects of their course design they are not happy with.
Identifying Needs
Identifying Needs
Part of this comes from an understanding of effective pedagogy and the principles of unviersal design but I work on many courses that are far outside of my area of expertise. So, I also need to work with the instructor to understand the learning objectives of the course, their experience with administering the course, and how learners have responded to the content.
Designing and Executing a Plan
Designing and Executing a Plan
Once some needs are identified, the time comes to decide how to meet those needs. This typically starts with a big idea like "we would like to improve learner engagement", and ends with more specific details like creating a new activity in week 9 that aims to invigorate learners to find new excitement in the content. This is done over the course of several meetings so that instructors can give feedback and direction to content I add and the things I change to make sure that are happy with how the course ends up.
Introducing New Possibilities
Introducing New Possibilities
More than ever, the tools in this field are changing rapidly. So, an important part of helping the instructor make the best course possible is helping them understand what is possible. There are likely new tools, or new features to old tools that they are not familiar with. I make sure to take time to introduce these new possibilities and discuss if they are any benefit to the needs of the course.
Ensuring Satisfaction
Ensuring Satisfaction
This is just a key part of making this whole process work smoother. It involves reviewing the meticulous notes I have taken with time tested templates and documentation and making sure we have addressed every concern and made all of the improvements possible. If instructors are fully satisfied with the course we have at the end of the process, they are just going to be even easier to work with again. Not to mention word spreads, so I have gained a reputation as someone that is going to help make courses as good as they can be in a process that is both exciting and rewarding.
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