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Program Curriculum Maps:

Program Reflections & Next Steps

Heather E. Webb Springer

Associated Director of Assessment

Ellbogen Center for Teaching & Learning | University of Wyoming

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A Curriculum Map is . . .

. . . a method for depicting the alignment between a program’s curriculum and the student learning outcomes of the program. It is a visual representation of where in your program you foster the desired knowledge, skills and values.

Meaningful & Manageable Program Assessment, p. 33

. . . a tool for seeing relationships between different aspects of the institution based on learning outcomes as well as documenting where learning is demonstrated and how.

NILOA, Mapping Learning: A Toolkit of Resources

  • Alignment
  • Curriculum
  • Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
  • Visual Representation
  • Desired Knowledge, Skills, Values
  • Demonstrated & How

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Curriculum Map Examples

Basic Curriculum Map (“Overview Map”)

Map of Learning Progression & Development (“Levels Map”)

I = Introduced | M = Mastered

I = Introduced | D = Developed (Reinforced) | M = Mastered (Summative Assessment)

Map of Assessment Measures (& Student Evidence/Artifacts)

Indicate assessment measure(s) where M is indicated (reflective essay, oral presentation, case study, group project, exam question, etc.).

Course 1

Course 2

Course 3

SLO 1

X

X

SLO 2

X

X

Course 1

Course 2

Course 3

SLO 1

I

M

SLO 2

I

M

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In a consensus-based approach to curriculum mapping, before mapping begins, reflective conversations need to take place to address the following questions:

-Purpose: What are we mapping and why?

-Scope: What parts of the learning system are included or left out by this approach?

-Participation: Who should be involved in the conversation?

-Form: How many layers do our maps need to address educational complexity?

-Limitations: What ways of seeing are we excluding in our maps?

Degrees That Matter, p. 88

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Summer 2023 - Undergraduate Program Assessment Content

No Map Submitted (yet!) = 5

“Map Like” Submitted = 3

Overview Map Submitted = 23

Levels Map Submitted = 31

Recognitions - Thank You!

UW Assessment Coordinators

Recognitions - Great Work!

Haub School of Environment & Natural Resources

School of Energy Resources

Recognitions - Submissions!

Zoology & Physiology

Ranch Management & Ag Leadership

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Summer 2023 - Undergraduate Program Assessment Content

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Summer 2023 - Undergraduate Program Assessment Content

How can the ECTL Assessment Team and UW Assessment Coordinators provide assessment for student learning support to your program?

  • Data Analysis for Assessment (15%)
  • One-on-One Consultations (15%)
  • Course-Level Assessment Workshops (13%)
  • Sponsoring attendance to external assessment webinars and workshops (11%)
  • Other (11%)
  • Department Workshops
  • Developing an Assessment Plan Workshop
  • Different Ways to Collect Assessment Data

HLC Program Assessment Webinar Series

Sponsored one attendee from A&S

Assessment Learning Community (AY 23/24)

4 Teams - Student Affairs, Agriculture, A&S, Engineering

Department Support

One-on-One Consultations

Sponsor Attendance

Workshops: Data Analysis & Assessment Plan

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Summer 2023 - Undergraduate Program Assessment Content

“SLOs need to be at the program and course level.”

“The curriculum map has been a timely exercise, as we as a program have been discussing and planning possible program revisions.”

“The map highlights areas in which we can improve our curriculum.”

“Our greatest strengths are in the involvement and commitment of all faculty.”

“We all recognize the central role of meaningful SLOs and effective assessment in that process (guiding our students toward success).”

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Transparency & Support Goals Spring Semester 2024

Transparency

Finalize and Share Feedback to Programs and Departments

Finalize and Share Overall Report

Support

Provide support guidance & opportunities in feedback communication (department and program specific).

  • Department Support
  • One-on-One Consultations
  • Sponsor Attendance to External Assessment Webinars and Workshops

Workshops: Data Analysis & Assessment Plan