Developing and Presenting a Framework for Meeting Industry, Student and Educator Expectations in University Degrees

This paper identifies the narrow interpretation of the constructive alignment model (Biggs, 1996), which has permeated higher education programs internationally, as a key source for this continuing disconnect between higher education and the needs of employers, students and society. Furthermore, a systematic framework extending the traditional constructive alignment model is proposed to enable curriculum development, implementation and assurance decisions to be made with explicit reference to the needs of a variety of stakeholders. This paper is relevant for educators involved in professional degree programs, professional employers and university administrators.