What does 'constructive alignment' in education refer to?

Constructive alignment in education refers specifically to the connection between learning activities and learning outcomes. The concept emphasizes that for effective teaching and learning, the design of educational experiences must be closely linked to the intended learning outcomes. This means that the activities students engage in should facilitate the achievement of those outcomes, fostering an environment where students can actively construct their own understanding and knowledge.

By aligning learning activities with desired outcomes, educators ensure that students not only know what is expected of them in terms of performance but also understand how the activities they are participating in are designed to help them meet those expectations. This alignment encourages deeper engagement and enhances the overall learning experience by focusing on the essential skills and knowledge that students need to acquire.

Other options like aligning course content with student interests or ensuring assessments are multiple choice do not capture the essence of constructive alignment, as they do not emphasize the interconnectedness of educational activities and outcomes in the same way.