Delivering high-quality, student-centered learning is at the heart of academic excellence, and student success depends on it. To continuously improve course quality and learning outcomes, many academic teams are embracing a more collaborative approach to course evaluation.
This model pairs faculty expertise with the instructional insight of a learning designer through a structured, post-course review process. By jointly analyzing student feedback, engagement patterns and performance data, faculty and designers can identify targeted improvements that make an immediate and meaningful impact.
More than a process upgrade, this partnership is a proactive investment in student achievement.
From Feedback to Actionable Insight
At the end of each course term, faculty and learning designers engage in a collaborative review, analyzing key data points such as student course evaluations, LMS engagement analytics and assessment and performance outcomes.
This combination of qualitative and quantitative data provides a clear picture of how students engaged with the content, where they thrived, and where they struggled.
Rather than waiting for annual program reviews or curriculum overhauls, this timely review helps surface learning gaps and areas of friction. For example, if students consistently underperform in a particular module, the data helps identify whether the issue stems from unclear expectations, ineffective materials or a misalignment between content and objectives.
Mapping Learning Gaps to Course Objectives
A key strength of this model is its ability to link student performance back to specific course learning objectives. When students fall short on a particular outcome, the review team can determine whether the supporting content, activities or assessments were adequate and make evidence-based decisions about what to change.
Did students misunderstand an assignment? Was an outcome underemphasized or poorly supported? Was a module too light, too dense, or lacking interactivity?
This outcome-focused analysis ensures that improvements are intentional, not superficial, resulting in stronger alignment, greater clarity and a better learning experience.
Improving the Course Between Iterations Without Overloading Faculty
Once improvement areas are identified, the faculty member and learning designer co-develop an action plan to address them. This may involve:
- Redesigning specific modules
- Enhancing learning activities or assessments
- Streamlining navigation and course flow
- Incorporating more engaging or accessible content
The learning designer takes the lead on implementation, allowing the faculty member to focus on teaching other courses or preparing future content. This division of labor ensures that updates are completed efficiently, without compromising instructional quality or overburdening faculty.
A Clear Path to Student Success
This collaborative evaluation model delivers tangible benefits for both students and faculty, including:
- Improved student outcomes through clearer, better-aligned instruction
- Increased faculty efficiency by offloading the operational lift of course revisions
- Faster course improvement cycles that keep content relevant and effective
- Greater alignment with program goals and accreditation standards
Most importantly, this process supports the broader mission of student success. Well-designed, responsive courses help students stay engaged, meet learning objectives and progress confidently toward their academic and professional goals.
Putting Insight Into Practice
We encourage all University Partner faculty to engage with the EIM Curriculum Development and Design (CDD) team during upcoming course evaluations.
Whether reviewing a recently completed course or planning for the next offering, our team is here to support data-informed enhancements that elevate the teaching and learning experience.
Together, we can ensure every course and every student is set up for success.