# 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.

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## 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](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/306)** See: **[Revised Bloom's Taxonomy - All Domains](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/307)***

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### 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.

<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mtiGeY10PXE?si=rEIsQGlDPCQAYqMp" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

*Download Slides: **[Student Learning Outcomes Session (PowerPoint)](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/309)***

**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

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## 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:**

<div id="bkmrk-outcome-course-a-cou"><table class="___1hm93bs f1ddd56o f16vktn6 f1enuhaj fdclmfp f1ev3kgc ftgm304 f1uinfot fibjyge fvueend f9yszdx f1fu4s3n f3l3pb3 f1s2k7dp f8fmt76 fjvbh62 fysh76l fic4ptz f1yenhzu f1yn6nvh f14tj6oe f1jq587y f1el8yx3 f1pymoxg f1ofu761 fe6itr f7coize f1794535 f70r78m f4zgifc fk1v6el f16pyhcb fo436u6 fzy4j18 fc43013 f1hmrcvb fc4t9fq fgp09rh fjnyn6r" tabindex="0"><thead><tr><th>Outcome</th><th>Course A</th><th>Course B</th><th>Course C</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Outcome 1</td><td>I (Introduce)</td><td>R (Reinforce)</td><td>M (Master)</td></tr><tr><td>Outcome 2</td><td>R</td><td>M</td><td>—</td></tr></tbody></table>

<div>*See: **[Curriculum Mapping Template](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/310)** See: **[Curriculum Audit Worksheet](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/326)*** </div></div>---

### Curriculum Mapping Session

This session provides practical strategies for aligning required and elective courses to PLOs and documenting those connections in syllabi and appendices.

<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gUynCgR3JBg?si=I1ZkIp_hON8Wfukt" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

*Download Slides: **[Curriculum Mapping Session (PowerPoint)](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/311)***

**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

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## 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.

<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5GBr-eyz_Es?si=5OVIpWuU56EoLEC9" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

  
*Download Slides: **[Syllabi Creation Presentation (PDF)](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/323)***

**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](https://kb.astate.edu/books/simple-syllabus)***  
***See: [Nuventive](https://kb.astate.edu/books/nuventive)***

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### Syllabi Models

These examples show how to align syllabi with curriculum maps across different course types:

- **[General Education Course Model](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/312)**
- **[Undergraduate Course Model](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/313)**
- **[Graduate Course Model](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/314)**

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### Curriculum Map Alignment Examples

These examples show how to align syllabi with curriculum maps across different course types and programs:

- **[Syllabus Aligned With Curriculum Map – General Education](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/315)**
- **[Syllabus Aligned With Curriculum Map – BS Program](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/316)**
- **[Syllabus Aligned With Curriculum Map – BA Program](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/317)**