Course Mapping

Course Mapping is a strategy used by Kinesiology faculty member Dustin Bakkie to help keep students on track while providing clear expectations, due dates, and course structure in his courses.

View the presentation of the method(opens in new window).

What is a Course Map: A course map is a living document that supports the syllabus, but is more dynamic in its use. It is a document that students and the instructor can use day in and day out all semester.

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• RESEARCH

  Examine selected research on Course Mapping:

  Osueke, B., Mekonnen, B., & Stanton, J. D. (2018). How undergraduate science students use learning objectives to study. Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education, 19(2), 10-1128.

  Zhoc, K. C., Chung, T. S., & King, R. B. (2018). Emotional intelligence (EI) and self‐directed learning: Examining their relation and contribution to better student learning outcomes in higher education. British Educational Research Journal, 44(6), 982-1004.

  Ludvik, M. J. B. (Ed.). (2023). The neuroscience of learning and development: Enhancing creativity, compassion, critical thinking, and peace in higher education. Project Museum. https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2018.0075(opens in new window)

  Nilson, L. B. (2016). Creating Self-Regulated Learners: Strategies to Strengthen Students' Self-Awareness and Learning Skills.

• APPLICATION

  Ready to apply Content Mapping to your teaching? Here are some ideas and strategies to get you started:

  There are four steps to creating an effective course map. Click here (Google Sheet) for a template you can use to design your own.

  Step 1: Ensure you have clear Student Learning Objectives that you can tie all the content back to.

  Step 2: Identify your High Impact practices and what activities/assignments you will be including in your curriculum and why you are including them.

  Step 3: Determine a Weekly Rhythm by deciding what a typical week and weekly routine will look like in your classroom. 

  Step 4: Develop a course map outlining each week’s content and expectations. Provide this map to your students. This map will be more detailed than the syllabus.