MAC Course Development Tools

The Minerva Academic Curriculum (MAC) will debut fall 2021 and require the revision of courses and development of new courses. The MAC model is shaped by outcome-based learning represented by eleven competencies.

  • Oct 12-13, 2020

    Fall MAC Course Design Incubator (Online): Join the MAC Implementation Team and the Teaching Innovations Office for a two-day incubator for (re)designing courses to be included in UNCG’s new general education program. The incubator will include resources for advancing your course design, developing a community of practice for each competency, and prepartion for the expedited review process.  **Didn’t attend the May 2020 Incubator – don’t worry, all the materials from May will be available during the fall 2020 Incubator: self-paced materials on outcome/competency-based learning, course design, and information about each competency. 

    Visit MAC.uncg.edu or innovations.uncg.edu to register closer to the event

  • March 1-2, 2021

    Spring MAC Course Design Incubator: The spring incubator will focus on finalizing course designs for the fall 2021 MAC release and preparing course proposals for 2022.  

    Visit MAC.uncg.edu or innovations.uncg.edu to register closer to the event

  • May 17-19, 2021

    Summer MAC Incubator: Dedicated time with course designers, pedagogy experts, and technology support to finalize fall 2021 MAC courses. This incubator will also feature updated materials for 2022 course proposals.

    Visit MAC.uncg.edu or innovations.uncg.edu to register closer to the event

The new MAC Curriculum is organized by 11 competencies that provide a holistic approach to student learning at UNCG. Each competency and corresponding rubrics can be found here.   

What is Outcome-Based Learning?

Outcome-based learning shifts the learning focus from traditional content mastery to an integrated approach. This moves learning from demonstration of content mastery to content understanding. The chart below outlines the differences between traditional learning methods and outcome-based learning methods.

Chart comparing traditional and outcome-based learning. Click on the image to open a readable google sheet.

Why outcome-based and not competency-based learning? Since the new MAC program is organized by competencies, it would be easy to equate the program with competency-based learning. Competency-based learning and outcome-based learning are very similar in delivery and focus. However, competency-based learning is not time bound, meaning that the student can take as long as they need to master the competency. With outcome-based learning, the aim is still integrated learning, but there are time constraints (such as a semester or program). 

Here are additional resources about outcome-based learning:

Course Design Resources