Mapping and Methods
Mapping PLOs to a Curriculum Map
A curriculum map is a visual representation of where each program learning objective (PLO) will be assessed in your program’s curriculum. This is usually a crosswalk, table, grid or spreadsheet which can demonstrate the following:
- The intersection of courses and program objectives
- The curricular sequence, balance, and emphasis of introduction, development, and assessment of objectives longitudinally across the curriculum (or reinforcement, mastery, etc.).
- Provide information to inform critical decisions about a program’s course catalog, including considerations on required or elective coursework.
- Faculty responsible for assessing specific learning objectives relative to their area of expertise.
- Foster shared decision-making and teamwork among program faculty and staff in the planning and delivery of a high-quality educational experience.
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Program X Curriculum Map |
Course 1 |
Course 2 |
Course 3 |
Course 4... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PLO 1 |
X Quiz 1 |
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|
PLO 2 |
X Term Paper |
X Oral Presentation |
||
|
PLO 3... |
X Case Study |
Mapping PLOs to Assessment Methods & Measures
After determining where a learning objective will be assessed in the curriculum, programs must determine how the learning objective will be assessed. This can include both direct and indirect measures, which can be formative or summative.
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Direct Assessment: occurs when faculty evaluate student performance directly. |
Indirect Assessment: occurs when asking others about their perspective or perceptions. |
|---|---|
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Formative assessments are generally low-stakes measures that check for learning during
a course or program, whereas summative assessments are generally high-stakes measures
that check for total knowledge or skills gained at the culmination of a course or
program.
Sample Curriculum Map Template
To get started on your program's curriculum map, download OEE's sample curriculum map template and review our archived workshop on mapping and metrics.