Constructive alignment is an approach to course and programme design which focuses on three key elements (Biggs, 1996): 

• Intended Learning Outcomes for the course or programme - what should the students know and be able to do, on completion? 
• Teaching and learning activities - how will the students learn? 
• Assessment - how will their learning be measured? 

In an aligned course or programme, these work in harmony, and students have every opportunity to learn effectively and achieve the Intended Learning Outcomes successfully.

Each of the links above have more information about how to write ILOs, how to select assessment methods and design teaching and learning activities, so that all three elements work together. 

On a poorly aligned course: 

• If the assessment method is more superficial than the ILOs, this can encourage students to adopt ‘surface’ learning approaches.  
• If assessment includes activities which are unnecessary for the learning outcomes, student time will be misallocated. 
• If teaching activities do not develop the knowledge and skills needed for the assessment, then students will struggle to pass the course. 

Further advice and support 

Eden Centre departmental advisers can work with you on aligning your curriculum as you develop it.