Constructive Alignment Matrix – Introduction to Learning Theories

What is Constructive Alignment? Constructive alignment ensures that ILOs, teaching activities, and assessments are coherently linked — each element supports and is supported by the others, creating a unified learning experience.

Alignment Table

Filter by focus:

ILO	Teaching Activity	Assessment Method	Pedagogy Link	AI Integration Link
Compare theories collaboratively	Part A: Collaborative theory mapping with AI-generated content as discussion starter	Instructor observation of group charts & discussion quality; exit ticket on AI limitations	Social Constructivism Co-construction of comparative framework	AI Literacy AI prompts used to generate content, then critically evaluated
Apply social constructivist peer teaching	Part B: Jigsaw — students design and deliver a peer-teaching segment	Peer feedback during jigsaw; instructor observation of teaching quality	Social Constructivism Learning by teaching (ZPD, scaffolding)	AI (Optional) AI support for analogy generation — groups evaluate suggestions
Critically evaluate an AI-generated explanation	Part A: Group critique of AI-generated theory definition	Exit ticket: name one AI limitation; summative assignment AI critique section	—	AI Literacy Evaluation of accuracy, bias, and gaps
Generate a revised AI explanation	Part A: Groups modify AI output; summative assignment revision task	Summative assignment: revised AI explanation + reflection on changes	—	AI Literacy Independent judgment, documentation of modifications
Reflect on human judgment vs. AI	Synthesis discussion; summative assignment reflection section	Reflection section of summative assignment	Social Constructivism Metacognitive dialogue about knowledge sources	AI Literacy Articulates when and why human judgment overrides AI

Colour Legend

Social Constructivism AI Literacy Both (Social Constructivism + AI Literacy)

Rows tagged with both colours indicate moments where social learning and AI evaluation coincide most strongly.

📌 Using This Matrix for Planning Teacher Only

This matrix is a living planning tool. When adapting this lesson for a new cohort:

Start from ILOs: if you add or modify an ILO, trace its row to ensure an activity and assessment match.
Check for orphaned activities: any activity without a clear ILO link should be cut or repurposed.
AI integration column: if AI tools change (e.g., new LLM), update the AI Integration column to reflect new capabilities or risks.
Use the filter (student view) to preview what students see when focusing on a specific strand.