Redesigning a classic control course using constructive alignment, student centred teaching and continuous assessment

We describe the methodology followed in restructuring a classic course on basics of control and measurement theory at TU Berlin. In more details, the design of the new course is based on several fundamental concepts: constructivism, i.e., assuming the teaching contents to be so that students build up knowledge from basic principles to advanced concepts; active learning, i.e., designing teaching and learning activities such that students are actively involved in each activity; and continuous assessment, i.e., including regular written tests counting towards the final grade as well as allowing students to individually train and test their knowledge on a designated platform. Overall, this leads to a strong focus on student centred teaching and learning where students are at all times aware of their learning status, the envisioned learning goal and the need to take responsibility for their own learning and progress.