The University of Sydney is committed to delivering a student-focused, transformative learning experience that evolves to meet global educational challenges. As part of this commitment, the Educational Innovation (EI) team is working with Dr Alex Bannigan from UNSW to introduce the Course Design Institute (CDI) in February 2025 to Sydney. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for academics to reflect on, reimagine, and enhance their units with a focus on intentional, proactive, and inclusive practices. Participants at UNSW in 2023 shared:
the course design Institute is this excellent program that teaches to rethink and recalibrate the courses that you might have been working in or with or on for some time so you have a chance to kind of reflect revamp and re-release them into the world
Facilitated by Alex, who successfully launched the CDI at UNSW, this event will foster collaboration among academics and experts. Aligned with the University’s 2032 Strategy, the CDI equips academics with the skills to design dynamic, learner-centred experiences that cater to the diverse needs of students, thereby reinforcing the University’s standing as a global leader in education.
Editor’s note: ‘Course’ is used in this post to mean ‘unit of study’; UNSW calls their units of studies ‘courses’.
What is the Course Design Institute?
The Course Design Institute (CDI) is a hands-on professional development program that supports academics in designing or refining units of study with a strong focus on inclusivity and intentionality. Over five intensive days, academics from across disciplines will engage in workshops, peer reviews, and consultations grounded in contemporary pedagogical theory. The goal is to empower academics to create unit of studies that place students at the heart of the learning process, creating “a community of people coming together to learn from each other how to better design units making it interesting and enjoyable for students and teachers too.”
The CDI approach is globally recognised for its innovative approach to unit design, challenging participants to rethink how they structure their units to foster more engaged, active learning environments. By emphasising inclusive and intentional design from the outset, the CDI ensures that units address the diverse needs of students and prepare them for a rapidly changing world.
Why is CDI important to the University of Sydney’s 2032 Strategy?
The University of Sydney’s 2032 Strategy emphasises a commitment to transformational, inclusive education that prepares students for complex, global challenges. The CDI aligns with this vision by equipping academics with tools to design units that not only achieve meaningful academic experiences but also foster equity, diversity, and accessibility .
The CDI emphasises three guiding principles:
- Intentional design: Units are structured with clear, deliberate goals that align with broader educational objectives.
- Proactive design: Barriers to learning are anticipated and addressed before the unit begins, creating adaptable and resilient learning environments.
- Inclusive design: Inclusivity is central, ensuring that units are accessible to all students, fostering an environment where every learner feels valued.
Research consistently demonstrates that students thrive in units of study designed with their diverse needs in mind. By equipping academics with the skills to create more engaging and intentional units, the CDI will help foster greater student success and satisfaction, supporting the University’s broader goals of ensuring equity and excellence in education.
How will the Course Design Institute be run?
The CDI will run as a five-day, face-to-face intensive program from 3rd to 7th February 2025. Each day will guide participants through the key stages of unit design, from foundational pedagogical concepts to the finalisation of a detailed unit plan. Participants will explore ideas such as backward design, student motivation, and innovative assessments, receiving feedback and refining their designs in a collaborative setting.
The CDI offers a rare opportunity for academics to step back and reflect on their teaching practices while engaging with colleagues across the University. By the end of the program, participants will leave with a detailed, actionable plan for a unit that reflects the principles of intentional, proactive, and inclusive design.
Why participate in the Course Design Institute?
The CDI provides more than just an opportunity to improve unit design; it’s a chance to reflect on teaching practices and think innovatively about how to engage today’s diverse learners. Participants will gain:
- Enhanced teaching effectiveness: The CDI provides strategies to improve student learning outcomes, creating units that are more intentional and engaging.
- Opportunities for innovation: The CDI encourages academics to explore new ways of integrating technology and pedagogy, fostering innovation in unit delivery.
- A community of practice: The CDI fosters collaboration among academics, building a supportive network that will extend beyond the institute.
- Professional growth: Participation in the CDI supports academics in staying ahead of educational trends and contributes to their ongoing professional development.
This unique opportunity will not only result in tangible improvements to unit design but also energise participants to tackle the challenges of teaching in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape.
Interested in participating?
Submit your expression of interest or contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.
Expressions of interest close on December 20, 2024.
