McGahan, Steven. “Reflective Course Review and Revision: An Overview of a Process to Improve Course Pedagogy and Structure.” Journal of Educators Online 15, no. 3 (December 2018). https://doi.org/10.9743/jeo.2018.15.3.12.
Reflective Course Review and Revision
Reflective Course Review and Revision is a systematic approach used by educators to improve the quality, structure, and effectiveness of their courses. It involves setting clear goals, carefully examining course materials, incorporating student feedback, and making targeted changes that enhance the learning experience. This method supports continuous improvement by encouraging regular evaluation and updates to the course.
The main purpose of Reflective Course Review and Revision is to ensure that course objectives, content, and assessments remain clear, up-to-date, and aligned with best teaching practices. This process also helps instructors identify areas where students may face challenges and allows them to make proactive improvements that boost engagement and learning outcomes.
Objective: Define what you want to achieve through course revision.
Identify Specific Objectives:
Determine what elements of the course need attention.
Reflect on past student experiences, focusing on areas where learners struggled.
Select Evaluation Criteria:
Choose a framework or set of standards that will guide your review.
Make sure these criteria support both your teaching philosophy and your course goals.
Create a Timeline and Schedule:
Assign time for each revision step.
Set deadlines and milestones to stay on track.
Align the revision schedule with academic calendars to introduce improvements before the next term.
Objective: Conduct a thorough inspection of all course components.
Analyze Course Structure:
Check how modules or units are arranged to ensure logical order.
Review navigation and ease of use from a student’s point of view.
Confirm alignment among learning goals, materials, activities, and tests.
Evaluate Content:
Update information so it reflects the latest research in the field.
Remove outdated sections and include a variety of perspectives.
Assess Assignments and Assessments:
Check that these assignments effectively measure learning outcomes.
Offer different types of assessments to accommodate varied learning styles.
Reflect on Pedagogical Approaches:
Think about adding new teaching methods or technologies.
Balance lectures with interactive, student-centered activities.
Identify ways to develop critical thinking skills in course tasks.
Objective: Use what you learn from students to guide course improvements.
Gather Feedback:
Look at course evaluations and identify recurring themes.
Collect informal responses through quick surveys or discussions.
Analyze Feedback:
Search for patterns regarding common difficulties or suggestions.
Separate remarks about course content from comments on teaching style or technology.
Prioritize Feedback:
Focus on changes that have the biggest impact on learning and satisfaction.
Keep doing what works well and address areas that need improvement.
Objective: Keep organized notes on observations and planned changes.
Maintain a Revision Journal:
Record challenges, possible solutions, and resources needed in one place.
Organize Notes:
Group findings by module or type of issue for easy reference.
Reflect on the Rationale:
Note the reasons behind each proposed change and how it will help students.
Plan for Implementation:
Create a clear action plan for introducing adjustments.
Identify any additional training or support required to carry out new strategies.
Objective: Put planned changes into action.
Prioritize Changes:
Tackle the most urgent updates that directly affect learning outcomes.
Update Course Materials:
Revise lectures, readings, and multimedia items to keep them current and relevant.
Redesign Assessments:
Adjust assignments and exams to better test the skills outlined in course objectives.
Include formative assessments that provide ongoing feedback.
Enhance Engagement and Interaction:
Add features like discussion boards, group projects, or interactive tools.
Improve Accessibility:
Provide captions for videos and alternative text for images.
Offer multiple ways of presenting material.
Test Functionality:
Check all digital links and ensure everything works well from a student’s viewpoint.
If a complete overhaul seems daunting, focus on one specific area of the course:
Accessibility: Make sure materials and tools meet accessibility guidelines.
Assessment: Update quizzes and assignments to improve alignment with objectives.
Engagement: Increase opportunities for student interaction and collaboration.
Technology Integration: Introduce new platforms or interactive elements to enrich learning.
Colleagues: Exchange ideas and feedback with other instructors.
Instructional Designers: Get help with course design and teaching methods.
Technologists: Consult experts on integrating new software or digital resources.
Schedule Future Reviews: Set regular times to revisit course content and methods.
Stay Informed: Keep up with emerging research in your subject and in teaching strategies.
Reflect Regularly: After each term, note what worked well and where changes are still needed.
Reflective Course Review and Revision is an ongoing process. By following these steps and adapting them to specific situations, educators can consistently improve their courses to provide a better learning experience for all students.