How to Use High Structure Course Design to Heighten Learning
Feb 22, 2024
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Learn how high structure course design can enhance student learning in STEM courses with insights from Justin Shaffer. Explore the evolution of structured classes, strategies for student engagement, flexible course design, and alternative grading methods. Plus, get tech updates and exciting hints about future collaborations in this informative episode.
High structure course design enhances student success by providing clear navigation and resources.
Structured courses improve learning outcomes through pre-class work, in-class focus, and post-class assessments.
Balancing structure and creativity in teaching promotes student engagement and cognitive exploration.
Deep dives
Using High-Structure Course Design to Enhance Learning
High-structure course design plays a crucial role in promoting student success by providing scaffolding for learning both before, in, and after class. This design helps students to navigate the course effectively, ensuring that they can access resources and understand the class objectives clearly. The contrast between structured and unstructured courses is highlighted, emphasizing how structure reduces confusion and enhances communication and student readiness.
Practical Implementations of High-Structure Course Design
Practical instances of high-structure course design are demonstrated through engaging anecdotes and experiences, showcasing the effectiveness of structured courses in enhancing student learning outcomes. Examples such as pre-class work, in-class lectures focusing on critical concepts, and post-class assessments reflect the comprehensive approach of high-structure course design.
Balancing Structure and Creativity in Teaching
A nuanced approach balancing structure and creativity in teaching is discussed, emphasizing the importance of engaging students through curiosity, emotion, and interactive strategies. By incorporating elements of surprise, delight, and curiosity, educators can foster deeper engagement and cognitive exploration, enhancing the learning experience for students.
Flexibility and Adaptability in Course Design
Embracing flexibility and adaptability in course design is highlighted as essential for meeting diverse student needs and optimizing learning outcomes. Strategies such as drop assignments, alternative grading approaches, and mastery-based assessments contribute to creating a supportive learning environment where students can learn from failures and grow academically.
Exploring New Educational Technologies and Physical Fitness Practices
The recommendation of exploring new educational technologies like Lea Script showcases innovative ways to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Additionally, the endorsement of using rock plate carrier backpacks for physical fitness activities, such as rucking, reflects a holistic approach to educator well-being and self-care, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Justin Shaffer shares how to use high structure course design to heighten student learning on episode 506 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast.
Quotes from the episode
Some students might be doing just fine with the traditional, maybe unstructured class. But we know from evidence, lots of research now shows that this type of structure does help students.
-Justin Shaffer
The keyword through all 3 steps is alignment.
-Justin Shaffer
I don’t think the structure necessarily guarantees success because it’s the students ultimately have to put the work in to earn that grade, to earn that outcome.
-Justin Shaffer