Start Your Course Design Here

Often, when instructors set out to create new courses or make changes to their existing courses, including changes related to institutional, college, or department priorities, they will have several questions. At a high level, these questions may include:

• Why should I do this? Why should I do it this way?
• How can I do this?
• What will this look like for students? What will it look like for me as the instructor?

The Course Design Handbook aims to provide information and ideas that should help you answer these questions and many others you may have about this process.

Download the course planning template below to work through the course design information you’ll find throughout this guide. The information found within the course planning template is laid out using a Why, How, and What framework for course design. We suggest you go through this content in the order it is listed, but that is optional if you want information on a specific aspect of course design.

While the handbook provides a lot of information, if you, your college, or your department are looking for individual consultations or workshops, please contact the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning (GMCTL).

Why Course Design?

This course design process is designed to support student wellness and academic success while protecting/supporting instructor wellness. The information and ideas that you will find on these pages are meant to help instructors support students while creating manageable work for the instructors.

Why is it important to utilize an intentional course design process, such as the one at USask, for students and instructors? 

For several reasons, implementing an intentional course design process is essential for both students and instructors. Firstly, such a process ensures that the course structure and content are carefully thought out and aligned with the desired learning outcomes. This alignment enhances the overall learning experience for students, making the course more engaging, relevant, and effective. Additionally, an intentional course design process supports student wellness by incorporating strategies that promote a positive and supportive learning environment. By considering diverse learning styles, incorporating inclusive teaching practices, and fostering a sense of belonging, students are likelier to thrive academically and personally.

For instructors, an intentional course design process provides a framework for effective teaching. It helps them organize and structure their course materials, activities, and assessments to maximize student learning while minimizing unnecessary workload. By incorporating evidence-based instructional strategies and leveraging technology appropriately, instructors can streamline their teaching practices and create a balanced workload. This, in turn, supports instructor wellness by reducing stress and enabling them to focus on meaningful engagement with students.

Why is student wellness crucial for achieving academic success and preparing students for their desired post-university success?  

Student wellness plays a pivotal role in both academic success and post-university success. When students’ well-being is prioritized, they are better equipped to thrive academically. Mental and physical well-being significantly impact students’ cognitive abilities, motivation, and overall engagement in their studies. By promoting student wellness, educational institutions create an environment that supports optimal learning and development. When students feel supported, emotionally balanced, and healthy, they are more likely to effectively manage stress, concentrate on their studies, and actively participate in the learning process.

Furthermore, prioritizing student wellness during university education sets the foundation for long-term success beyond academia. Students who develop healthy habits and self-care practices during their university years are better equipped to navigate challenges, manage work-life balance, and sustain well-being in their future careers. Proactively prioritizing student wellness benefits the students and contributes to the instructors’ well-being by creating a more positive and supportive learning environment.

Why should students take my course? 

This is an important question to ask for a few reasons. First, how does the course fit into a larger program or complement other courses the students may take? Second, how will students use what they learn in the course in other courses, in their careers, in contributing to their communities, and in their lives overall?