We use research to inform our learning design.
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Authentic
We address three elements in our learning design: authentic curriculum, authentic pedagogy, and authentic assessment. All three need to align in order to achieve a truly differentiated and learner-centered design.
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Culturally-responsive
We design with the understanding that culture and identity are core to building the relationships between what is to be learned (outer knowledge) and what is lived experience (inner knowledge).
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Evidence-based
Our work is guided by evidence-based principles grounded in learning sciences research. This means placing the learner at the center of design considerations.
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Personalized
Frequently, the term personalized stands for an adaptive learning approach of differentiating the learning path and learning pace for the learner. Adaptive learning models serve lower-level learning outcomes only. Our definition of personalized learning stands for making the learning experience personally relevant for the learner. This addresses the needed engagement and motivation in order to learn.
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Inclusive
Inclusive design prepares learners to succeed and lead by becoming self-aware, by acknowledging differences, by showing due regard for feelings, rights, cultures, and traditions.
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Holistic
We design to engage the whole student. This means addressing cognitive (head), affective (heart), and conative (hand) dimensions in the learning design.
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Competency-based
We move the curriculum into a competency-based model, but unlike traditional competency-based education (CBE) , our approach functions within the traditional course and semester structure.