Curriculum mapping: not as straightforward as it sounds

Abstract

Curriculum mapping is an increasingly common concept within the field of education. A joint project between La Trobe University and the Public Health Agency of Canada attempted to map public health competencies with learning objectives from online learning modules developed by the two organisations. As part of this project a literature review was undertaken to identify valid and reliable processes for mapping the competencies. A lack of literature outlining mapping processes led to the development of some tools to assist the process. These tools appear to be similar to those identified within the limited available literature but lack of project time limited the testing of the tools. The authors believe the mapping process needs to be better documented to develop valid and reliable tools for use in this important and increasingly common area of curriculum development.

Keywords:

• competence
• standards
• learning in the professions
• assessment
• further education

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Jennifer Lowe and Elizabeth Wright, from the Public Health Agency of Canada, for their support and involvement with the joint mapping project that was undertaken between PHAC and La Trobe University.