Making progress comprises (re-)designing education as well as keeping track of results. But how can you know that you are making progress? Summarizing the general process of educational design and specific models for curriculum re-design we propose the following three-step approach:
Step 1. Reformulate the (university’s) objectives into questions concerning the current situation (today) and the desired situation in the future
Step 2. Make the answers to the questions measurable
Step 3. Use the answers as input for further (re-)design
For example:
1) How are students prepared for a wide variety of careers today and in the future? Examples of measurable answers: transferable skills are included in (x) courses; (x) guest lectures from different fields
2) To what extent do graduates develop a distinctive profile today and in the future? Examples of measurable answers: (x) students report finding suitable employment easily
3) How do students develop a mind-set for life-long learning today and in the future? Examples of measurable answers: (%) teachers model life-long learning by taking courses;
4) To what extent do programs include the development of (transferable) skills today and in the future? Examples of measurable answers: in (x) separate skills trainings; embedded in (x) courses.