Curriculum mapping

Curriculum mapping method can be used in programme planning and assessment to analyse the alignment in the curriculum: the logical study path, the teaching methods, content of the courses in the programme and the intended learning outcomes.

The method allows programme components, such as courses, to be viewed as part of the larger picture. The mapping tool can optimally be used for joint planning, helping to form a complete preview of the degree programme as a whole. From below you can find the curriculum mapping template as well as a workshop -template to support the collaborative work of the programme. 

What can the curriculum mapping tool be used for?

The tool can be used for mapping learning outcomes, contents, teaching methods, and learning assessment methods, or e.g. for developing a certain topic (such as sustainable development competencies) in the degree programme.

Examples of using curriculum mapping

• Planning teaching to support the achievement of the learning outcomes of a programme. The mapping functions as a joint planning instrument for planning a new programme or revising an existing programme. The mapping tool enables programme planning in a way where learning outcomes become more advanced through progressive stages while avoiding undue repetition or overlap.
• Evaluating the realisation of learning outcomes. Each teacher-in-charge fills in the information on their own courses, and afterwards the attainment of the learning outcomes is assessed together with a programme development group, for example.
• Mapping sustainable development goals and generic skills. The mapping may also be used for developing or assessing the implementation of learning outcomes linked to a specific subject or theme.
• Mapping and planning teaching and assessment methods. The mapping tool may be used to identify connections between the content of different courses and to coordinate courses that take place at the same time but are taught by different methods. This may help to highlight any spikes in the workload arising from the use of similar assessment methods within a given period.
• Planning scores to measure learning In programmes that measure learning systematically, the tool may be used to plan a stage for evaluating the achievement of learning outcomes.

Below you can find materials that you can download for yourself, to support the use of curriculum mapping -method: 

1. curriculum mapping -exceltemplate,
2. template for a workshop focusing on curriculum mapping and
3. seven examples on how you can use curriculum mapping concretely in the development of the programme curriculum