APPLICATION OF CONSTRUCTIVE ALIGNMENT MODEL FOR UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND COMMERCE, UNIVERSITY OF SRI JAYEWARDENEPURA

Authors

  • K.A.N. Dilhani Lecturer, Dept. of Accounting, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, (Sri Lanka)
  • P.D.C. Udayashantha Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Accounting, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, (Sri Lanka)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to scrutinize the degree of applying Constructive Alignment as an educational model for undergraduate courses offered by the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce (FMSC), University of Sri Jayewardenepura. When examining the extent to which the constructive alignment model is applied for undergraduate courses by FMSC, ten course units offered to students during the first two years of the common programme were selected as the sample of the study. The expected outcomes, objectives, teaching-learning activities stated in the course manuals/course outlines of selected course units, final examination papers and data gathered from informal interviews with the academic staff and students were analyzed to see how far learning outcomes, teaching-learning activities and assessments are constructively aligned. It was found that eight course units of the sample communicated expected learning objectives to the students through their course manuals and course outlines. Out of these eight units, only one course unit contained expected learning outcomes explicitly. The main modes that are used to meet expected objectives are the lectures, and practical/tutorial classes. 50% of the selected course units use small group teaching methods as other methods of teaching-learning strategies. Almost all the courses test the expected objectives in final examinations. Few courses test beyond the expected objective level when assessing students. Based on the above findings, it is concluded that there is a strong need to improve awareness and skill development of academic staff on curriculum design components that could then allow the alignment of courses/units towards the model of Constructive Alignment for the improvement of student learning and work related skills.

Keywords: Assessments, Constructive Alignment, Learning Outcomes/Objectives, Teaching Learning Activities

 

For full Paper: fmscresearch@sjp.ac.lk

Author Biographies

K.A.N. Dilhani, Lecturer, Dept. of Accounting, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, (Sri Lanka)

Lecturer, Dept. of Accounting, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, (Sri Lanka)

P.D.C. Udayashantha, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Accounting, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, (Sri Lanka)

Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Accounting, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, (Sri Lanka)

Published

2012-12-27

Issue

Vol. 3 (2006): Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Business Management

Section

Articles