A Design-Based Approach to Course Planning and Development

Abstract

The aim to refine education often leads to changes to curriculums, and the planning and implementation of educational changes can be approached in methodological and process-oriented ways. This study investigated how Bologna process requirements and local needs were considered when courses were planned for the Department of Military Technology at the NDU. The data was gathered from three courses related to science and technology, and a design-based research (DBR) concept guided the project. Specifically, work from 2007 to 2017 was examined, including preplanning and educational DBR cycles used to plan six courses, and team of different disciplines worked on the project. The purpose of planning courses was to construct a new science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education program for officers’ education; the aim was to offer officers adjustable but well planned, student centred, and interactive instruction. In principle, course planners were aware of the generic skill profile of the officer profession. Knowledge of STEM education from an earlier curriculum was provided to the officers by regular teachers. The use of a modern learning material portal (LMP) was considered for a student-centric teaching approach. Moodle was utilised, and a systematic student evaluation of teaching (SET) was conducted to assess the success of implementing the planned courses. DBR-framed approach gave useful guidance for the project. In the course development feedback from students offers necessary evidence but requires support from other sources for genuine and innovative educational re-engineering .