For more Aalto terminology and definitions, see the Aalto University General Regulations on Teaching and Studying.
Alignment in teaching means that the learning objectives, content, assessment methods, and learning environment form a coherent and integrated whole. At the programme -level, alignment refers to students developing competencies in a logical progression, deepening their previous learning while avoiding excessive repetition.
Alignment in teaching | Aalto University
Assessment is a pedagogical process which aims to support learning and to validate how well the student has achieved the intended learning outcomes. A prerequisite for assessment that promotes learning is that the intended learning outcomes, teaching and learning methods, and assessment methods are aligned with each other.
Learning assessment at Aalto University | Aalto University
Assessment method refers to tools and practices that you use in order to define what the student has learned in relation to the intended learning outcomes of the course. When selecting an assessment method, one should consider what is being assessed (e.g., exam, project, portfolio, participation in teaching), when it is being assessed (e.g., during the learning process or upon its completion), and who is assessing (e.g., the learner themselves, a peer, the teacher).
Competence-based planning of teaching starts with identifying the academic and general competences specific to different disciplines as well as understanding generic competences. The goals for education are expressed as intended learning outcomes and the teaching is planned in relation to them.
Competence-based approach and intended learning outcomes | Aalto University
One or more completion methods may be defined for each study unit. The student chooses a completion method for the study unit and registers for the corresponding study unit implementation.
A goal-oriented programme consisting of several study modules and leading to either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. Degree programmes have specific goals and degree requirements. The degree programme may have alternative study modules, such as specialisations, options, or majors. Degree programmes may have elective study modules. Degree programmes may have more than one language of degree.
In the Aalto curriculum design instructions, the instructions given on degree programmes concern also doctoral programmes, unless otherwise specified.
Studies required for the completion of a degree under the Government Decree on University Degrees and Professional Specialisation Programmes (794/2004), the regulations of the University Academic Affairs Committee, as well as the degree regulations and curricula.
The study modules defined in the degree regulations (see the degree regulations for bachelor’s and master's degrees and for doctoral education) that make up the degree. The degree requirements of a degree programme must be formulated in line with the degree structure.
A goal-oriented programme consisting of several study modules and leading to a doctoral (or licentiate) degree.
Generic skills or transversal competencies are skills needed in both university studies and working life, also referred to as employability skills, soft skills, or in a higher education context, academic skills (in English, these are usually referred to as transferable skills).
Inclusive teaching means that teacher creates an equal and comfortable environment for all students to study.
Agreeing guidelines for inclusive interaction in course | Aalto University
Intended learning outcomes indicate what the student is expected to know, understand and be able to do after completing the degree programme or study unit. Intended learning outcomes are often presented in the form of knowledge, skills or attitudes and they are used to describe both the field-specific advanced knowledge and the generic skills that the student will gain. Intended learning outcomes are written for both programmes and study units.
Competence-based approach and intended learning outcomes | Aalto University
The responsible teacher of the study unit is responsible for preparing the curriculum for the study unit. The responsible teacher of the study unit is responsible, together with the responsible teacher of the study unit implementation, for ensuring that the study unit implementation corresponds to the curriculum.
The responsible teacher of the study unit is in charge of grading the study attainments and of organising the study unit implementation as stated in the curriculum and in the academic timetable. In addition to the responsible teacher, several people may be involved in teaching and grading a study unit implementation; their names are indicated in the details of the study unit implementation.
The responsible teachers of both the study unit and study unit implementation must be Aalto University staff members. The same person can be the responsible teacher for both the study unit and study unit implementation.
A component of the degree consisting of two or more study units covering one or more topics or sets of problems.
In study unit design, study time allocation means estimating the study time invested by the student for the learning related to the study unit to achieve the intended learning outcomes and complete the study attainments required for the study unit.
Course workload and study time allocation | Aalto University
A study unit is a planned unit of study that is specified in the curriculum and that can be completed separately. A study unit implementation may include one or more study attainments. Study units can be referred to as courses where appropriate.
Curriculum information about study units and study unit implementations | Aalto University
A study unit implementation is a concrete arrangement of a study unit. Study unit implementations may vary in terms of their teaching and assessment methods or languages.
Curriculum information about study units and study unit implementations | Aalto University
Details on the study unit implementation provided by the teacher to specify the study unit information included in the curriculum. Such details may include more specific information on the assessment criteria, lecture contents, etc.
A syllabus may be made for each study unit implementation. The syllabus is published on MyCourses no later than three weeks before the beginning of the study unit implementation. In the syllabus, the teacher may provide more detailed information than that given in the curriculum regarding for instance, assessment criteria, working methods or lecture contents. The syllabus thus gives more specific information than the curriculum.
The teaching method is a method of working and providing teaching and should promote the achievement of the intended learning outcomes.
Workload refers to the time spent on the course by the student and by the teacher as well as to the student’s experience of the workload of the course.
Course workload and study time allocation | Aalto University
The goal of curriculum design is a programme that helps students acquire the competence they will need in their field in the future and to acquire it within the target time frame. On this page, you can acquaint yourself with the Aalto University practices, processes, actors and roles involved in curriculum design.
Aalto University’s curriculum design guidelines and schedule aims at supporting sustainable, future led degree programmes.
