A Model to Build Capacity through a Multi-Program Curriculum Review Process

Authors

  • Patti Dyjur University of Calgary
  • Jennifer Lock University of Calgary

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18741/P9BC77

Keywords:

collaboration, continuing professional learning, curriculum mapping, curriculum review, CR, distributed leadership, evidence-informed, graduate attributes, higher education, professional learning, quality assurance

Abstract

Curriculum reviews are becoming more prevalent in higher educational institutions as a means to address quality assurance and improve program offerings. However, the review process can be structured so that instructors experience professional learning benefits as they work with program-level learning outcomes, map their courses, and analyze curriculum data with their colleagues. This paper shares an approach that was used to conduct a 1-year, complex, multi-program curriculum review in a faculty’s graduate unit. This approach enhanced the instructors’ continuing growth and their ability to carry out a curriculum review. To illustrate the dynamic nature of the curriculum review process, a three-level and three-phase curriculum review model has been developed.

Based on our experience when implementing the model with an array of instructional teams, we identified four key recommendations for practice that promoted a professional learning environment while implementing a multi-program curriculum review: (1) mentoring and distributed leadership, (2) standardizing flexible structures and processes, (3) customizing the process for deep inquiry, and (4) collaborating. Curriculum reviews are becoming more prevalent in higher educational institutions as a means to address quality assurance and improve program offerings.

Author Biographies

Patti Dyjur, University of Calgary

Curriculum development specialist

Jennifer Lock, University of Calgary

Professor, Associate Dean Teaching and Learning, Werkland School of Education

References

References

Biggs, J., & Tang, C. (2007). Quality learning at university (3rd ed.). Maidenhead, UK: Open University Press.

Council of Ministers of Education, Canada. (2007). Ministerial statement on quality assurance of degree education in Canada. Retrieved from http://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/95/QA-Statement-2007.en.pdf

Great Schools Partnership. (2014). The glossary of education reform: Scaffolding. Retrieved from http://edglossary.org/scaffolding/

Harden, R. M. (2001). AMEE guide no. 21: Curriculum mapping: A tool for transparent and authentic teaching and learning. Medical Teacher, 23(2), 123–137.

Holycross, J. (2006). Curriculum mapping—an essential tool for curriculum development. Journal of Physician Assistant Education, 17(4), 61–64. Retrieved from http://www.paeaonline.org/index.php?ht=action/GetDocumentAction/i/25408

Oliver, B., Ferns, S., Whelan, B., & Lilly, L. (2010). Mapping the curriculum for quality enhancement: Refining a tool and processes for the purpose of curriculum renewal. Proceedings of the AUQF 2010 Quality in Uncertain Times, June 3, 2010, 80–88. Retrieved from http://espace.library.curtin.edu.au/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=155120&local_base=GEN01-ERA02

Robley, W., Whittle, S., & Murdoch-Eaton, D. (2005). Mapping generic skills curricula: Outcomes and discussion. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 29(4), 321–330. doi: 10.1080/03098770500353342

Spencer, D., Riddle, M., & Knewstubb, B. (2012). Curriculum mapping to embed graduate capabilities. Higher Education Research & Development, 31(2), 217–231. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2011.554387

Stefanidis, A., & Fitzgerald, G. (2010). Mapping the information systems curricula in UK universities. Journal of Information Systems Education, 21(4), 391–409.

Sumsion, J., & Goodfellow, J. (2004). Identifying generic skills through curriculum mapping: A critical evaluation. Higher Education Research & Development, 23(3), 329–346. doi: 10.1080/0729436042000235436

Uchiyama, K. P., & Radin, J. L. (2009). Curriculum mapping in higher education: A vehicle for collaboration. Innovative Higher Education, 33(4), 271–280. doi: 10.1007/s10755-008-9078-8

University of Calgary. (2015). Academic quality assurance handbook: Curriculum reviews (Rev. ed.). Retrieved from http://www.ucalgary.ca/provost/files/provost/curriculum_review_handbook_gfc_dec_2015.pdf

Veltri, N. F., Webb, H. W., Matveev, A. G., & Zapatero, E. G. (2011). Curriculum mapping as a tool for continuous improvement of IS curriculum. Journal of Information Systems Education, 22(1), 31–42.

Wang, C.-L. (2014). Mapping or tracing? Rethinking curriculum mapping in higher education. Studies in Higher Education. doi: 10.1080/03075079.2014.899343

Werklund School of Education. (2015). Werklund School of Education Graduate Programs in Education: Course-based programs curriculum review report. Retrieved from https://www.ucalgary.ca/provost/files/provost/werklund_gpe_curriculum_review_executive_summary_sept_25_2015.pdf

Willett, T. G. (2008). Current status of curriculum mapping in Canada and the UK. Medical Education, 42, 786–793.

Zelenitsky, S., Vercaigne, L., Davies, N. M., Davis, C., Renaud, R., & Kristjanson, C. (2014). Using curriculum mapping to engage faculty members in the analysis of a pharmacy program. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 78(7). doi: 10.5688/ajpe787139

Downloads

Issue

Section

Articles (Short)