Determining Essential Course Intent

The essential intent for your course will be a high level statement that describes the knowledge that learners will demonstrate upon completing the course. The course intent should be broadly stated, meaningful, achievable and assessable.

Let's say that you have to develop a course on Vehicle Maintenance for an Auto Mechanics program. Here is an example of a statement that indicates the essential intent of the course:

Example

Formulate a vehicle maintenance plan to meet specific vehicle needs and manufacturer requirements for warranty compliance.

Notice how the statement includes an action verb that implies a broad body of knowledge. The essential intent of the course should state comprehensive learner behaviours as they indicate what the student will learn during the entire course.

Activity

Write a statement that indicates the essential intent for your course in the Course Intent section of the course blueprint document.

If you are adapting a course, you may already have this statement. Have a critical look at the existing statement to see if it can be improved.