ALIGNING OBJECTIVES, ACTIVITIES, AND ASSESSMENTS: Essentials of course planning

Effective course planning is an essential skill for early career faculty to develop. For a successful course, simply delivering content is not enough; instead, the focus must shift toward creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences. This places critical importance on the alignment of course objectives, activities, and assessments - a fundamental principle that is the cornerstone of this chapter. We explore the pivotal role played by the alignment of these three core components in crafting courses that foster deep learning, critical thinking, and skill development among students. This chapter aims to provide the insights, strategies, and practical tools necessary to create courses that not only meet the demands of learners but also maximize their potential for success.