National Center for Learning & Teaching (NCLT)

Applying Construct-Centered Design to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Development in Nanoscale Science and Engineering

This project demonstrates how the process of construct-centered design brings together learning research and instructional development in nanoscience. The project is funded through the National Center for Learning and Teaching (NCLT) in Nanoscale Science and Engineering.

Swarat, S., Light, G., Park, E.J., & Drane, D. (2008). Applying construct-centered design to curriculum, instruction, and assessment development in nanoscale science and engineering. Proceedings of the International Conference of the Learning Sciences, June 24- 28, Utrecht, Netherlands.

Applying Construct-Centered Design to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Development in Nanoscale Science and Engineering

One of the NCLT's main goals is to develop an approach to map out the knowledge domains, or constructs, associated with nanoscale science and engineering, and use these domains to guide learning research and the development of instructional materials, assessment, and teacher education.

As part of this effort, the NCLT has developed a process known as construct-centered design (CCD). This is a principled process based largely on evidence-centered assessment design and learning goal-driven design. This study couples the CCD process with research on student learning to develop instructional materials and assessment items.