CPI Course Planning & Lesson Structuring 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When applying backward design to a training course, what is the FIRST step an instructor should take?
- Select instructional activities
- Identify desired learning outcomes (Correct answer)
- Choose assessment methods
- Organize course content into modules
Correct answer: Identify desired learning outcomes
Backward design starts by identifying the desired results (learning outcomes) before planning assessments or instructional activities.
Question 2: A CPI instructor is designing a lesson for adult learners with varying experience levels. Which strategy BEST addresses this diversity?
- Teach to the median skill level and ignore outliers
- Use differentiated instruction with tiered tasks (Correct answer)
- Provide the same lecture-based content to all learners
- Focus only on advanced learners to raise overall standards
Correct answer: Use differentiated instruction with tiered tasks
Differentiated instruction uses tiered tasks and varied supports so all learners at different levels can engage meaningfully.
Question 3: Which element is considered a critical component of a well-written lesson objective using the SMART criteria?
- The objective must be Subjective
- The objective must be Measurable (Correct answer)
- The objective must be Ambiguous
- The objective must be Recurring
Correct answer: The objective must be Measurable
SMART objectives must be Measurable so instructors can assess whether learners have achieved the intended outcome.
Question 4: An instructor notices that course modules lack logical flow and learners seem confused about how topics connect. What course design principle is being violated?
- Fidelity
- Scaffolding
- Sequencing (Correct answer)
- Chunking
Correct answer: Sequencing
Sequencing ensures content is ordered logically so each topic builds upon the previous one, reducing learner confusion.
Question 5: In a lesson plan, what is the primary purpose of the 'anticipatory set' (also called a hook)?
- To summarize the lesson after it is complete
- To activate prior knowledge and engage learner interest at the start (Correct answer)
- To assess learner understanding mid-lesson
- To assign homework or follow-up activities
Correct answer: To activate prior knowledge and engage learner interest at the start
An anticipatory set is used at the beginning of a lesson to capture attention and connect new material to learners' prior knowledge.
Question 6: Which of the following BEST describes 'chunking' as applied to course content design?
- Removing content that seems too difficult for learners
- Breaking complex information into smaller, manageable units (Correct answer)
- Grouping all similar learners together for instruction
- Assigning content delivery to multiple instructors
Correct answer: Breaking complex information into smaller, manageable units
Chunking divides complex content into smaller, digestible units to reduce cognitive overload and improve retention.
Question 7: When planning course pacing, what is the most important factor an instructor should consider?
- The instructor's personal comfort with the material
- The time needed for learners to achieve mastery of each objective (Correct answer)
- Completing all content within the scheduled time regardless of comprehension
- Matching the pace of the fastest learner in the group
Correct answer: The time needed for learners to achieve mastery of each objective
Effective pacing is driven by the time learners need to achieve mastery, not by content volume or instructor preference.
CPI Course Planning & Lesson Structuring 2
When applying backward design to a training course, what is the FIRST step an instructor should take?