Curriculum
Maps
Margaret Kasimatis, PhD
VP for Academic Planning & Effectiveness
Location in Assessment Cycle
IDENTIFY
SPECIFIC
OUTCOMES
DETERMINE
PRACTICES USED
TO ACHIEVE
OUTCOMES
GATHER
EVIDENCE
ARTICULATE
MISSION/
GOALS
RECOMMEND
ACTIONS
REVIEW &
INTERPRET
RESULTS
What is a Curriculum Map?
• It is a method for depicting the alignment
between a program’s curriculum and the
learning outcomes of the program
– That is, it’s a visual representation of what you do
in your program to foster desired knowledge, skills,
and values
Creating Maps
• Start with blank table that has learning
outcomes along the vertical axis and courses
or experiences horizontally across the top
• Three levels:
– Basic – Is an outcome addressed in a given course
or experience?
– Intermediate – At what level is an outcome
addressed?
– Advanced – How is an outcome addressed (e.g.,
content, pedagogy, assignments)?
Example of Basic Map
REQUIRED COURSES FOR THE ENGINEERING MAJOR
LEARNING OUTCOMES
E4
E8
E80
Clinic
E59
E101
102
E82
E83
E84
E85
106
Ability to apply knowledge in math, science,
and engineering
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Ability to design and conduct experiments as
well as to analyze and interpret data
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Ability to design a system, component, or
process to meet desired needs
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Ability to identify, formulate, and solve
engineering problems
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Ability to communicate effectively
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Ability to use techniques, skills, & engineering
tools necessary for engineering practice
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Ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
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IE
Sem
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Recognition of need for and ability to engage
in lifelong learning
Understanding of professional and ethical
responsibility
Understanding the impact of engineering
solutions in a global and societal context
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Example of Intermediate Map
Example of Advanced Map
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
Ability to
communicate
effectively
REQUIRED COURSES FOR THE ENGINEERING MAJOR
E4
1 Oral
presentation
1 Project
report
E8
E80
4 lab
reports
Clinic
Clinic
Report
Clinic
Presentation
E59
E101
102
E82
E83
E84
E85
106
Integrative
Experience
Seminar
Research
Paper
Lectures
Understanding the
impact of
engineering
solutions in a global
and societal context
Ability to function
on multidisciplinary teams
Section of
Clinic
Report &
Presentation
In-class
activities
Research
Paper
Team
project
Conduct
experiments in
teams
Team project
Guest
Lectures
What are Maps Used For?
• Preliminary assessment
– Where are the gaps?
– Can help refine goals and outcomes
• Can help determine when/where/how to
collect assessment data
• Can help in “closing the loop”
• As a discussion tool
• In organizing assessment and curriculum
information
QUESTIONS?