1.2 Module Overviews

Criterion Overview

Module overviews prepare students for learning by providing a roadmap at the beginning of each instructional unit. They introduce the purpose of the module, communicate the learning goals, identify required activities, and clarify expectations before students begin working through the content.

Rather than asking students to gather information from multiple pages, a module overview serves as a central guide that explains what they will learn, why the content is important, what they need to do, and how the learning activities work together to achieve the module objectives. A clear overview helps students begin each module with confidence and a clear understanding of what lies ahead.

Using a consistent structure for every module further supports student success. When learners know where to find objectives, required tasks, due dates, and learning resources, they spend less time navigating the course and more time engaging with the content.

Why It Matters

Students are more successful when they understand the purpose of their learning before they begin. Module overviews establish clear expectations, helping students understand not only what they need to do, but also why they are doing it and how each activity contributes to the module's learning goals.

A consistent overview also helps students manage their time and organize their work. Rather than discovering assignments as they progress through the module, students can view the learning experience as a whole, anticipate upcoming tasks, and plan accordingly.

Module overviews also reinforce instructional alignment by connecting learning objectives, instructional materials, practice activities, and assessments into a cohesive learning experience. This helps students recognize that each activity has a purpose and contributes to their overall learning.

What This Looks Like

Each instructional module begins with an overview page that prepares students for the learning experience ahead.

A well-designed module overview typically includes:

• A brief introduction to the topic.
• Module learning objectives.
• An explanation of what students will learn and why it matters.
• Required readings, videos, or instructional materials.
• Required assignments, discussions, and assessments.
• Due dates or suggested pacing.
• Participation expectations.
• Estimated time to complete the module (optional).
• Tips for successfully completing the module.

The organization and formatting remain consistent from module to module so students always know where to find important information.

Design Tips

Ask yourself: If a student opened this module for the first time, would they immediately understand what they are going to learn, why it matters, what they need to do, and how to successfully complete the module?

✔ Begin every instructional module with an overview page before presenting course content.

✔ Explain what students will learn, why it matters, and how the activities support the learning objectives.

✔ Present learning activities in the order students should complete them.

✔ Use a consistent module structure throughout the course.

✔ Write learning objectives using measurable action verbs.

✔ Use headings, bullet lists, and white space to make the overview easy to scan.

✔ Consider including a checklist, pacing guide, or estimated completion time to help students manage their workload.

✔ Review module overviews each semester to ensure learning objectives, due dates, instructional materials, and links remain current.