Standards-based design tenet 

A standards-based approach ensures courses are clear, accessible, and consistent, rooted in established quality frameworks like QM and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This resource outlines why this tenet is important, how you may implement it, and what QM standards are aligned. 

Studies show that courses with consistent structure and clear standards reduce cognitive load, increase accessibility, and improve student outcomes, particularly for diverse learners (Al-Azawei et al., 2017; Kent et al., 2022).

Strategies

We can implement a standards-based approach in several ways

•  Provide clear assignment instructions, grading criteria, and rubrics. 
• Ensure intuitive and accessible course navigation and materials. 
• Apply adult learning theory and UDL principles to support diverse learners. 

Designing your course with clear objectives, aligned activities, and purposeful use of technology sets students up for success from their very first interaction and you address key elements that contribute to meeting QM’s standards-based framework—such as clarity, alignment, and effective use of tools to support learning objectives. 

Standards directly impacted by this tenet are: 

• Specific Review Standard 1.1: Instructions make clear how to get started and where to find various course components. 
• Specific Review Standard 1.2: Learners are introduced to the purpose and structure of the course. 
• Specific Review Standard 3.3: Specific and descriptive criteria are provided for the evaluation of learners’ work, and their connection to the course grading policy is clearly explained. 
• Specific Review Standard 4.2: The relationship between the use of instructional materials in the course and completion of learning activities and assessments is clearly explained. 
• General Standard 8: Course navigation facilitates ease of use.