What does the term 'constructive alignment' refer to in education?

Constructive alignment is a pedagogical framework that emphasizes the importance of aligning all components of a learning environment—learning outcomes, teaching methods, and assessment strategies. The primary focus is on ensuring that the learning activities students engage in are directly related to the intended learning outcomes. This alignment helps to facilitate deeper learning, as students understand what is expected of them and can see the relevance of their activities in achieving specific educational goals.

When learning activities are designed to match the intended outcomes, it fosters an environment that encourages active learning and critical thinking, as students can make connections between what they learn and the skills or knowledge they need to acquire. This approach ultimately supports a cohesive educational experience, promoting better retention and comprehension of the material.