Developing Learning Outcomes and Curriculum Maps
Clear, measurable student learning outcomes are the foundation of effective program-level assessment. They define what students should know, be able to do, or value by the time they complete a program. Curriculum maps help departments align these outcomes with courses and learning experiences, ensuring that students have structured opportunities to achieve them.
Writing Student Learning Outcomes
Effective outcomes are:
- Student-centered: Focused on what students will achieve.
- Measurable: Use observable action verbs.
- Aligned: Reflect program goals and institutional priorities.
Tips for Writing Outcomes:
- Start with a verb from Bloom’s Taxonomy (e.g., analyze, create, evaluate).
- Avoid vague terms like “understand” or “appreciate.”
- Include context or conditions when appropriate.
See: Bloom’s Taxonomy Action Verbs
See: Revised Bloom's Taxonomy - All Domains
Student Learning Outcomes Session
This session walks through the process of identifying and aligning program learning outcomes (PLOs), administrative outcomes, and course learning outcomes (CLOs). It also covers how to include outcomes on syllabi.
Download Slides: Student Learning Outcomes Session (PowerPoint)
Topics Covered:
- Identify Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
- Writing your own vs. using prescribed standards
- Aligning PLOs to University Learning Outcomes (ULOs)
- Identify Administrative Outcomes (e.g., retention, graduation)
- Understand how Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) fit with PLOs
- Using PLOs as CLOs in capstone or culminating courses
- Aligning CLOs to PLOs
- Include learning outcomes on syllabi
Curriculum Mapping
A curriculum map visually connects learning outcomes to the courses and experiences where they are taught and assessed. It helps departments:
- Identify gaps or redundancies in instruction.
- Ensure that each outcome is introduced, reinforced, and mastered.
- Clarify how assessment data will be collected.
Typical Curriculum Map Structure:
| Outcome | Course A | Course B | Course C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outcome 1 | I (Introduce) | R (Reinforce) | M (Master) |
| Outcome 2 | R | M | — |
Curriculum Mapping Session
This session provides practical strategies for aligning required and elective courses to PLOs and documenting those connections in syllabi and appendices.
Download Slides: Curriculum Mapping Session (PowerPoint)
Topics Covered:
- Align required and elective courses to applicable PLOs
- Excel worksheet for mapping
- Choose a mapping scheme that fits your program:
- “Touches” vs. Assessed
- Contributes / Introduce–Reinforce–Master
- Include mapping in syllabi
- Create PDFs for syllabi appendices
Aligning Syllabi with Curriculum Maps
Syllabi serve as a key communication tool between faculty and students—and a critical point of alignment between course-level instruction and program-level assessment. Ensuring that syllabi reflect accurate learning outcomes and curriculum map connections strengthens both transparency and accreditation readiness.
Syllabi Creation Session
This session provides guidance on creating Syllabi with all applicable University, Program and Course information present.
Download Slides: Syllabi Creation Presentation (PDF)
Topics Covered:
- Create Syllabi with all applicable University, Program and Course information present, including answering the following questions:
- Does the course description on the syllabus match the course description in the current bulletin?
- Are there Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) listed on the syllabus?
- Is this course a part of an academic program and if so, does the course appear on the program’s curriculum map in Taskstream?
- Do the PLOs listed on the syllabus match the markings on the map in Taskstream?
See: Simple Syllabus
See: Nuventive
Syllabi Models
These examples show how to align syllabi with curriculum maps across different course types:
Curriculum Map Alignment Examples
These examples show how to align syllabi with curriculum maps across different course types and programs: