Abstract

In response to university priorities, this study investigates an improved curriculum designed to encourage development of graduate attributes required in a technological and complex world. The revitalized curriculum utilises rich and relevant on-line resources requiring students to practice reasoning and analytical skills that are transferable within and beyond university study. Three specific educational objectives of understanding, applying and analysing from Bloom’s taxonomy are targeted as skills to be promoted in the curriculum. Attainment of these skills is developed through weekly media illustrations and data analysis in an interactive lecture and tutorial environment. Data was collected from a sample of students to assess the learning outcomes of the curriculum enrichment program. The study reports on the development of these learning skills through activities consistent with a constructivist learning approach. A pretest was used to determine students’ entry level skills prior to the start of classes, and mid-semester and end-semester exams assessed the development of the targeted skills. The results have been collected for three semesters. Analysis of the quantitative data using paired t-tests show significant improvement in the skills assessed. Qualitative data obtained from student survey feedback at the end of each semester provide insights into student perceptions of the new curriculum. The results show that the changes implemented are positive ways to revitalize university teaching and learning.