Campus Talks: Backwards course design – from learning outcomes to assessment to activities

Campus Talks: Backwards course design – from learning outcomes to assessment to activities

Author: Campus by Times Higher Education August 27, 2026 Duration: 37:10
An expert in student-centred instructional design talks through the process of creating effective university courses, including the potential of artificial intelligence to support feedback and revision When course design is undertaken backwards, learning outcomes become the starting point, then assessment and finally classroom activities. The aim is to create a learning environment where students feel motivated and engaged.  But what are the key considerations for creating effective modules and units and the indicators that show this has been achieved?  For this episode, we talk to Daniel Guberman, a senior instructional developer and assistant director of student-centred pedagogy in the Center for Instructional Excellence at Purdue University. Guberman is co-author, with colleagues Emily M. Bonem and Chantal Levesque-Bristol, of Designing Impactful College Courses: Applying Self-Determination Theory to Unleash the Potential of Autonomy-Supportive Learning Environments (Routledge, 2026). He brings to this conversation a keen interest in grading protocols and insights from Purdue's long-running Impact instructor development programme. To learn more about course design for a new age, head to the latest Campus spotlight guide. To book a place at the Innovation & Impact Summit 2026 in Seoul on 17-19 November: Book tickets | THE Innovation & Impact Summit 2026.   

What does it really take to run a modern university? Campus Talks by Times Higher Education moves beyond the headlines and policy papers to explore the human stories and practical challenges shaping colleges and universities today. Each episode features candid conversations with the academics, administrators, and staff on the front lines, offering a ground-level view of the forces transforming education globally. You’ll hear nuanced discussions about reinventing teaching methods, navigating the complexities of international partnerships, pursuing meaningful research, and building institutions that are both excellent and sustainable. This isn’t a series of abstract lectures; it’s a forum for genuine problem-solving and shared experience. The podcast draws on the extensive network and editorial expertise of its host, Campus by Times Higher Education, to connect listeners with diverse voices from campuses worldwide. Whether you’re a faculty member, a university leader, or simply fascinated by the inner workings of higher education, these dialogues provide actionable insights and a deeper understanding of the academy’s evolving role in society. Tune in for thoughtful analysis that respects the complexity of the issues while searching for tangible solutions.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Campus Talks by Times Higher Education
Podcast Episodes