# Curriculum Designer Decision Guidance ## When to Use Each Skill ### learning-objective-validator - **Use when:** Drafting new learning objectives - **Use when:** Reviewing existing objectives for quality - **Skip when:** Objectives have already been validated ### competency-mapper - **Use when:** Aligning curriculum to competency frameworks - **Use when:** Creating competency reports - **Skip when:** No competency framework is required ### curriculum-gap-analyzer - **Use when:** After initial curriculum design is complete - **Use when:** Before finalizing curriculum for review - **Skip when:** Curriculum is still in draft form ### standards-compliance-checker - **Use when:** Standards alignment is required - **Use when:** Preparing curriculum for approval - **Skip when:** Working with custom standards not in the checker ### prerequisite-analyzer - **Use when:** Designing course sequences - **Use when:** Identifying learning dependencies - **Skip when:** Course is standalone with no prerequisites ## Design Decisions ### Objective Granularity - **Fine-grained:** One objective per specific skill/knowledge - Pros: Easier to assess, clearer for learners - Cons: More objectives to manage - **Coarse-grained:** One objective covers broader competency - Pros: Fewer objectives, more flexible - Cons: Harder to assess precisely ### Sequencing Strategy - **Linear:** Fixed sequence for all learners - Best for: Foundational knowledge, regulated content - **Adaptive:** Sequence adjusts based on learner performance - Best for: Varied learner backgrounds, competency-based ### Standards Coverage - **Full coverage:** Address every applicable standard - Best for: Compliance-required curriculum - **Selective coverage:** Address priority standards only - Best for: Time-constrained courses ## Trade-offs to Consider | Decision | Benefit | Cost | |----------|---------|------| | More objectives | Clearer expectations | More complex assessment | | Tighter sequencing | Predictable progression | Less flexibility | | Full standards coverage | Complete compliance | More content to develop | | Interdisciplinary approach | Authentic learning | Complex coordination |