Our Philosophy
At Teaching & Learning Innovation (TLI), we believe that thoughtful, systematic curriculum development grounded in evidence-based teaching practices creates learner-centered environments where all students can thrive.
“Curriculum development” can refer to work at multiple levels: an individual course, a series of related courses, or an entire academic program. Whether faculty are designing a one-hour first-year seminar or revising a full department sequence, effective curriculum development considers the entire learning experience from start to finish.
TLI uses the three core principles of backwards design to guide this process:
- What do we want students to know or be able to do?
- How will students demonstrate that learning?
- What instructional strategies will support students in reaching those goals? (Wiggins & McTighe, 1998)
An intentional curriculum addresses all three questions and recognizes the profound interconnectedness between them.
At the same time, we acknowledge that curriculum development is a complex and multifaceted process. Real-world contexts, such as departmental structures, disciplinary needs, accreditation requirements, and resource limitations, sometimes require adaptation and thoughtful trade-offs.
Our role at TLI is to help faculty navigate these realities while designing curricula that reflect best practices and support the department’s mission, vision, and goals.
Curriculum Development Resources
TLI Curriculum Development Guide
TLI’s curriculum development guide is designed to support departments and academic units that are undergoing curriculum changes or creating new curricula.
The guide walks curriculum leaders through each step of designing and revising a curriculum. It includes not only evidence-based approaches for building strong, aligned curricula but also the templates, tools, and planning resources needed to put these ideas into action.
In addition to covering best practices in curriculum design, the guide addresses essential yet often neglected components of the process, including:
- Creating a realistic timeline
- Budgeting and resource planning
- Change management
- Reflection and continuous improvement
Programs can use the guide to take a fully DIY approach, or they can use it alongside other TLI resources, consultations, and programming.
Faculty can access the guide in their web browser by clicking the button above or downloading a PDF version. For enhanced accessibility, we recommend the PDF format.
If you’re unsure where to begin, can’t find what you’re looking for, or would like to talk through ideas, we’re here to help. Submit a Request for Service, and a member of our team will schedule a consultation.
Reference:
Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (1998). Understanding by Design. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.