Mapping the curriculum

Published on 01/06/2015 by admin

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Last modified 01/06/2015

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19 Mapping the curriculum

A clear picture of how learning outcomes, teaching methods and student assessment link together is crucial not only for the teacher but also for the student. A curriculum map is needed.

Planning a curriculum is a complex matter involving learning outcomes, content, a timetable, the programme of teaching and learning opportunities and assessment. An aspect of curriculum development that has been relatively neglected is communication about the curriculum. How do teachers and students know what is covered and where it is addressed? How do students know what learning opportunities are available to assist them in mastering the learning outcomes? How does assessment relate to the teaching programme? Unfortunately students and trainees may perceive a curriculum or educational programme as a ‘magical mystery tour’ with the answer to these questions uncertain. They are not quite sure what lies ahead, or even about their destination, apart from the fact that they will end up with a qualification if they complete the course satisfactorily. The challenge is to communicate effectively to staff and students information about the curriculum. Curriculum mapping alongside a statement of the learning outcomes addresses the problem.

A curriculum map can provide information about what is taught, how it is taught, when it is taught, where it is taught and how the learning is assessed. It should be a key feature of any curriculum.

Definition

A curriculum map is a visual representation of a curriculum that shows the big picture and how the different elements are related and linked together. It presents the curriculum as a sophisticated blend of educational strategies, course content, learning outcomes, educational experiences, assessment and programme of courses. It can even be thought of as the glue that holds the curriculum together. An example of part of a curriculum map through the window of learning outcomes is given in Figure 19.1.

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Fig 19.1 A curriculum map for elements of the cardiovascular system.

Curriculum mapping is on today’s agenda

There are a number of reasons why the preparation of a curriculum map is now an essential element in planning and implementing a curriculum:

• Outcome-based education. The map makes explicit the expected learning outcomes for the different courses and learning experiences provided.

• Student-centred learning. The map of the curriculum helps students to take responsibility for their own learning, to appreciate what they are studying and the part it plays in the bigger picture, and how they can tailor the learning experiences to their personal needs.

• Problem-based and integrated learning. The map helps to clarify both the learning outcomes in PBL and integrated teaching programmes and the input from different disciplines.

• Inter-professional education. Common elements in the curriculum and the differences between medicine and other professions are described in a map. This facilitates the planning of inter-professional activities.

• Integration of assessment and teaching.

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