Designing a performance-based syllabus to improve instruction and learning

Abstract

In performance-based instruction, teaching and assessment decisions are guided by the performance of each student rather than by completion of assignments and examination. In designing the syllabus for performance-based instruction, the focus is on both 'knowing' and 'applying'. Teaching, assessment, evaluation, and reporting are oriented around the demonstration of learning. All areas of the syllabus are integrated with demonstrations of learning through portfolios to provide holistic assessment and evaluation. This paper defines and describes the principles of performance-based instruction, then discusses how to develop a syllabus that incorporates performance-based principles.