Academic Assessment: Curriculum Mapping and Outcomes

A curriculum map is a visual alignment of program student learning outcomes, core competencies, learning activities, and primary assessments within a program’s curriculum. It is a living document that requires periodic reviews as changes are often made within curricula.

Effective curriculum development reflects a design process called "backward design" that delays the planning of classroom/lesson activities until outcomes have been clarified. First, start with the broad outcomes expected of all students (Core Competencies), the work backwards to determine program student learning outcomes followed by course outcomes. Finally, determine the course unit and lesson outcomes.

Questions for evaluating Curriculum and Outcomes Mapping

1. Are statements of intended program outcomes well-articulated?
2. Do students receive appropriate syllabus guidance?
3. Do they address the program-level outcomes in multiple courses?
4. Do they ensure that the individual courses in the provide students with sufficient opportunities to integrate multiple outcomes?
5. Do they ensure that course-level outcomes are aligned to program-level outcomes at the increasing level of content/outcomes delivery?
6. Is content organized in a logical manner to reflect increasing progression?