7 steps of course design

First steps in course design may vary. While some begin by having fixed content, others start with given learning outcomes, although, ideally, the course design process should not take off until the needs of the participants are diagnosed.

In her book on curriculum development, Taba lists 7 steps for course designers to follow. Not only are the steps exhaustive and encompassing enough to be used by the majority of course designers, but they also come in recommended order for designers to follow.

Steps for course designers to follow by Hilda Taba

1. Diagnosis of needs

2. Formulation of objectives

3. Selection of content

4. Organization of content

5. Selection of learning experiences

6. Organization of learning experiences

7. Determination of what to evaluate, and the means to evaluate

By looking at Taba’s seven steps, it is obvious that getting to know the needs of the target learners is the starting point. Based on that, objectives can be formulated. Once the objectives are stated, one can select and organize the content. In my opinion, steps three through seven may turn out as a cyclical process as selection of learning experiences may come before selecting content and vice versa. Likewise, what to evaluate might be defined prior to selection of content and learning experience.

Taba, Hilda. Curriculum Development ; Theory and Practice. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, 1962. Print.