U.N.I.T.A.S. Principles
The U.N.I.T.A.S. Design Principles are meant to guide teachers in creating holistic and engaging learning experiences, whether these are teaching practices, materials or activities. Students can also refer to these principles to better understand what makes a good learning experience. The principles were taken from the UA&P Credo and Educational Principles, and were articulated through workshops with faculty members and student feedback.
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The course considers all factors affecting the learner’s motivation, skills and ability to learn successfully.
Some questions you can ask yourself:
For professors
- Is the learning experience real and practical?
- Is the learning experience relatable?
- Is the relevance of the topics to the student’s life and future workplace clear for the students?
For students
- Does your professor consider class circumstances (e.g., base knowledge/background, available tech) for their lessons and activities?
- Can you see how the lessons and activities are relevant in other areas of your life and future work?
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The course is delivered in a way that promotes engagement, communication and collaboration, and demonstrates empathy and consideration for each participant (teacher and students).
Some questions you can ask yourself:
For professors
- Does the learning experience exude empathy and flexibility?
- Are teachers and students able to communicate and show consideration for each other?
- Does the teaching experience cultivate a supportive learning environment where students feel safe to share their thoughts and opinions?
For students
- Does your professor consider the different learning styles in the classroom? Do they offer options and alternatives for activities and requirements?
- Do you feel psychologically safe in class?
- Do you feel encouraged and appropriately challenged?
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The course creates an environment where learners are encouraged to be lifelong learners.
Some questions you can ask yourself:
For professors
- Are you regularly provided feedback so you can improve on their class outputs?
- Does the course prompt self-reflection and personal development?
- Does the course motivate you to learn beyond what is taught in class?
For students
- Does your professor provide prompt and helpful feedback?
- Do you have chances to improve your performance before the semester ends?
- Are you given opportunities to reflect on yourself?
- Does your professor inspire you to keep learning?
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The learning experience, including the content and environment, is well prepared, organized, and conducive for learning.
Some questions you can ask yourself:
For professors
- Does the course have a logical, engaging flow that is easy for students to follow?
- Is the content organized, and do all the links, media, etc. work?
- Does the course give focus to the essential topics?
- Are the materials engaging to different kinds of learners?
For students
- Is it easy for you to navigate through the course (whether offline or online)?
- Does the course appear and feel seamless and well-prepared?
- Does the course cover key topics and can you identify the link between them?
- Are the materials varied, accessible, and inclusive?
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The course presents specific learning outcomes that are measurable and observable, and are fleshed out through varied and appropriate assessment activities.
Some questions you can ask yourself:
For professors
- Do students have a clear sense of achievement?
- Is there a roadmap with clear learning goals that students can follow?
- Are learning goals achieved through varied learning assessments and activities?
For students
- Does the Syllabus contain all relevant information to help you succeed in the course (e.g., goals of the course and how you will be assessed)?
- Do the assessments help you achieve what you need to learn?
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The course provides accessible avenues for students to give and receive feedback, and is continually improved through up-to-date research.
For professors
- Is there a mechanism that allows for systematic summative feedback to inform continuous course improvement?
- Is the course content updated to match with the current context?
- Are new teaching tools and methods explored?
For students
- Does your professor provide an avenue for you to share your thoughts and give feedback on course delivery?
- Does your professor act on the feedback?
- Does your professor make an effort to use the ideal tools and methods to enhance the learning experience?
