UW–Madison Course Design Institute

An immersive experience in learner-focused course design

May 12-14, 2025

The Pyle Center

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What is the Course Design Institute?

An annual three-day workshop aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of course design to result in a better learning experience. CTLM and campus teaching and learning partners will support you as you work on multiple aspects of your course.

Photo of a group of instructors at a workshop seated in a circle speaking to one another.

Who can participate?

Instructors at all career stages who are designing a new (at/near approval) or redesigning an existing for-credit course. Courses may be any size, subject, or modality. We welcome both individual instructors and instructional teams.

An instructor speaks while three colleagues listen as all are seated at a table working at laptops.

“The CDI events were an excellent experience for myself and my team. It provided us with new information about enhancing and developing our course, as well as presenting known information in a manner that allowed us to think more outside the box. It provided us with many opportunities to brainstorm about specifics and to solve some of the challenges we faced."

McLean Gunderson, Comparative Biosciences

Benefits

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Applicable strategies

100% of participants surveyed reporting applying what they learned in CDI to their courses.

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Connecting with peers

Participants say they appreciated learning how peers approach syllabus design, grading, and other aspects of teaching.

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More inclusive learning

88% of participants surveyed say their CDI experience helped them create a more equitable, inclusive learning environment.

You’ll learn about:

  • Creating clear learning outcomes
  • Using backwards design
  • Constructing student-centered syllabi
  • Designing effective assignments and assessments
  • Engaging students through active learning
  • And more!

How to apply

Applications are being accepted for May 12-14, 2025. Participants are expected to attend the full program, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Apply

Questions?

Contact us