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Create a Curriculum Map
Aligning Curriculum with Student Learning Outcomes
The purpose of a curriculum alignment matrix
After the student learning outcomes (SLOs) are developed for the program, the next step in program assessment is to develop the program SLO curriculum alignment matrix. This matrix lists the SLOs against the courses in the program. In each cell, the faculty identify where each SLO is introduced, practiced, or mastered. Then it becomes very clear where assessment of student learning should occur.
The outcomes/course matrix becomes the basis of the assessment plan. With this, faculty and/or assessment coordinator can determine what student artifact or work sample (signature assignment or other assignment(s)) can be used to measure progress towards the SLO and/or when the assessment will take place. In addition, the matrix will help point out any gaps in the curriculum. As you build and review your curriculum alignment matrix, ask the following questions:
The exercise of building and reviewing a curriculum alignment matrix encourages reflection on the curriculum as a whole and can lead to better integration among courses.
Very simply, it's a table with one column for each learning outcome and one row for each course or required event/experience (or vice versa: each row contains a course and each column lists a learning outcome). Faculty identify where key learning outcomes are introduced (I), reinforced with the opportunity to practice (R or P), and where mastery (M) is achieved at the senior or exit level.When the matrix is complete, the program can identify where assessment evidence (A) should be gathered.In addition to courses, faculty should include any other required events/experiences (e.g., internships, department symposium, national licensure exams).
What are some best practices?
Example One: Excerpt from a hypothetical Biology program curriculum matrix*
Key: "I"=Introduced; "R"=reinforced and opportunity to practice; "M"=mastery at the senior or exit level; "A"=assessment evidence collected
Example Two: A program with multiple paths to the degree*
Additional references and examples:
National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment: Tool Kit on Curriculum Mapping http://www.learningoutcomeassessment.org/mapping.htm