The Teaching Toolkit is designed as a practical starting point for WSU faculty who are new to teaching or unfamiliar with the principles of course design. Each module introduces foundational concepts while also providing links to more advanced resources, research, and strategies for experienced instructors who want to dig deeper.
Module 1: Introduction to Backward Design
Backward Design is a student-centered planning framework that flips traditional instructional design by starting with the end in mind.
Module 2: Learning Objectives
Starting with clear learning goals can make course planning more focused and effective by taking a step back and asking, “What really matters most in this course?”
Module 3: Assessment
With clear learning objectives established, the next step is deciding how you’ll know whether students are achieving them.
Module 4: Learning Activities
Now comes the part most faculty instinctively jump to first, choosing what students will read, watch, explore, and do.
Module 5: Communication and Community
What and how we communicate with students is critical to developing engaging and inclusive learning communities.