This is my current definition:
A sequenced collection of activities, with start and end points, that collectively support advancing in some knowledge and/or skill.
- Sequence – may be linear, spiral, branching, etc.; it may be chosen by the student, by the teacher, or in partnership.
- Activities – anything undertaken by the student including those required as part of the course and those chosen by the student; could be done alone, with other students, or with the teacher.
- Collection – there is more than one activity and they are curated for this purpose.
- Start point – may be the same for all students (point in time, level of difficulty, type of activity) or vary (point in time, dependant on previous experience).
- End point – may be the same for all students (point in time, level of expertise) or vary (the degree to which they want to advance, student’s rate of progress).
- Collective – the activities and the sequencing act together.
- Advancing learning – the course may not be all that is required; it might build on learning from previous courses, and further advancement may require other courses.
[I’ve avoided terms like: learning objective, learning outcome, course aim.]
