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Constructive alignment of graduate capabilities: insights from implementation at a private university in Malaysia
Thian, Lok Boon1, Ng, Foong Peng2, Ewe, Joo Ann3.
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to formulate a curriculum
design framework, to test it and learn through pilot implementation, in
order to systematically embed the graduate capabilities in the curricula,
leveraging on Biggs’ constructive alignment framework. This paper
aims to report the outcome of a study lasts for one year supporting a
university’s curriculum transformation project.
Methodology – Guided by the research objectives of this study, the
research approach is action research. More specifically, benchmarking
visit was used for the first phase, the design phase, to propose a suitable
curriculum design framework. Pilot implementation was used during the
second phase. Two programmes from two faculties were selected. Data
was collected through observation, interview and document analysis.
Data was analysed through on-going analysis and final reflection.
Findings – This study presents a more detailed and practical
curriculum design framework to support the development of graduate
capabilities leveraging on Biggs’ constructive alignment framework.
The key challenges faced and proposed strategies are consistent with
existing studies. However, this paper argues for stronger emphasis on
communicating compelling reason for change. This study reinforces that
the process of constructive alignment remains challenging due to the
iterative process of alignment at programme and module levels. Significance – This paper has expanded Biggs’ constructive
alignment operational framework by offering more detailed and
practical steps to ensure curriculum design effectively supports the
development of graduate capabilities. The insights are especially
useful for young universities with limited experience and yet have
the ambition to transform its curriculum to develop institution-wide
graduate capabilities leveraging on Biggs’ constructive alignment
framework. The insights are useful for improving countries’ policy
and implementation strategies too.
Affiliation:
- Taylor's University, Malaysia
- Taylor's University, Malaysia
- Taylor's University, Malaysia
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Indexation |
Indexed by |
MyJurnal (2021) |
H-Index
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3 |
Immediacy Index
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0.000 |
Rank |
0 |
Indexed by |
Scopus 2020 |
Impact Factor
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CiteScore (2) |
Rank |
Q1 (Cultural Studies) Q2 (Education) Q3¬¬¬ (Psychology (all)) |
Additional Information |
SJR (0.385) |
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