Backward
Design
Andragogy blended learning
assessment development
learning experience Training development
The Challenge:
A reputable online learning platform has asked interested applicants to demonstrate their ability to create a 100% asynchronous course using the backward design methodology. The example solution must follow the program outline and include four high-level course outcomes and at least one module-level assessment. Based on the high-level outline, the assessments must be created with the following in mind:
The final outcome of the program will be for students to develop a professional portfolio of work samples
The curriculum is derived from skills that are frequently requested in job ads
The program focuses on the analysis of performance and the design of instructional solutions
Learners have shared that they have not received impactful feedback on previous program assessments
The Approach
Demonstrate a solid understanding of instructional design, backward design principles, and effective learner assessment by creating four clear course-level outcomes for a Professional Certificate in Instructional Design.
Provide detailed instructions, an example, and a grading rubric for both the learners and graders, ensuring clarity and alignment with the module’s learning outcomes.
Ensure the outcome of each assignment focuses on adapting instructional theories to real workplace challenges so that the solution is relevant to the learner and supports their final portfolio.
The Result:
By implementing backward design methodology, my solution ensures that learners build the necessary competencies to develop a professional portfolio, which is the program's outcome. The four course-level learning outcomes are strategically aligned with industry demands, focusing on the real-world application of instructional theories and performance analysis.
Each assignment is designed to help learners engage with content directly applicable to their workplace challenges, ensuring that their portfolio showcases relevant and practical instructional design skills.
Using detailed rubrics and clear instructions guarantees that both learners and graders have a consistent understanding of the expectations, addressing the feedback gap by ensuring impactful, constructive critiques throughout the learning journey.
Click through each image below to review the components of the assignment and a sample of the learner and grader rubrics.