The curriculum map is a matrix of the program student learning outcomes mapped to the designed curriculum. If a course or program requirement is linked to an outcome in a substantive way, the map indicate the depth of knowledge, skills, and/or attitudes relevant to an outcome is addressed. All required courses should support one or more program outcomes in some way. On the map, include only courses with key or signature assignments that allow faculty to assess progress of an outcome across a representative sample of students in the program.
The map should indicate the depth to which a course or program requirement is addressed within a course and across the curriculum:
- Introduces: (I) a concept relevant to the program outcome; learning activities focus on basic knowledge and skills that support the learning outcome. Often, several courses will introduce an outcome, provide practice, and scaffolding achievement. Alternately, a course may be designed primarily to introduce one outcome.
- Reinforces: (R) or strengthens the development of the knowledge and skills to achieve the program outcomes that are further along in the curriculum. Relevant foundational knowledge has been previously introduced.
- Emphasizes: (E) opportunities for the student to integrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the outcome, often at the end of a program. Instructional and learning activities allow for demonstrating achievement of the outcome in multiple contexts and at multiple levels of complexity. The outcome has been previously introduced and reinforced in prior requirements through various activities and opportunities.
Using a curriculum map supports continuous program improvement and transparency of the learning process by:
- identifying where outcomes are covered in a curriculum,
- identifying potential gaps in the curriculum (where a course is not addressing any outcome, or an outcome is not developed by any courses within the curriculum),
- identifying whether any outcomes need modification,
- identifying best opportunities for assessment, and/or
- prompting a discussion among faculty of potential changes necessary within the curriculum.
Use the curriculum map template to create the map for the program being assessed. Examples are provided for general reference and are unique to the programs.