Bruin Brief 2022-08-26 The Wisdom of a Map

Owned by Cynthia James
Last updated: Sept 06, 2022
4 min read

From Academic Affairs
August 26th 2022

The Wisdom of a Map

When feeling adrift or uncertain about how to move forward or get somewhere, we often turn to a map. Cartographers tell us that maps provide guidance when we lack it, direction when we need it, purpose when we seek it, adventure when want it, and insight when we miss it.

There are several types of maps. There are topographical maps, economic maps, weather maps, concept maps, population maps, world maps, and even mind maps.

There are listening mind maps…

There are maps on how to unplug…

There are even maps on mind maps…

And then there are curriculum maps!!

Before we can map our future curricula to the new AACN Domains, we must first map the landscape of what we currently have – and that’s the task that we as faculty must complete by September 15th.

Curriculum mapping is identifying which competencies your course addresses; it does not involve changing course outcomes. Open the Excel spreadsheet for the program (BS, MECN, MSN-APRN, DNP).  Within that overall curriculum map for your program (attached below), find the tab with your course number, and then follow the steps outlined by Dr. Altmiller.  For an example and helpful tips, you can find her PDF presentation in the folder called “Curriculum Mapping for Faculty in APRN and BS Program.” The info is also in Faculty Resources file https://uclahs.box.com/s/ferkpviyjqzrr7qz4lirtnlm1k8nwpqg  

Some step-by-step instructions for mapping your course:

  1. Open your course syllabus and study your required student assignments (i.e. how you assess student achievement of current course objectives)

  2. Separate the assignments that just test knowledge accruement – and set those aside

  3. Focus on the assignments that require students to show, demonstrate, or “do” a learned action

  4. Find the domain / competency / sub-competencies that link to each of the action-based assignments

  5. Place a mark in those sub-competencies in the map, briefly identify the “doing” assignment, list primary spheres of care, and list primary Featured Concepts

  6. Use “notes” column for explaining anything or to capture good ideas for going forward 

  7. Deposit your completed course map in the deposit box:

Completed curriculum maps UPLOAD link: Box

The Due Date

September 15th 2022 is the date when we ask all faculty to complete and submit their course maps so we can begin the task of gapping from mapping. 

Next Steps

After the course maps are turned in, the Essentials Taskforce will start on the next phase of our work.  We will look for places in the curriculum where we over-teach, under-assess, or completely miss competency domains and sub-competencies.  That will direct us in how to restructure and realign our courses to meet the competency-based learning needs of students outlined by the Essentials.

Where can you go with questions or to ask for help?

The Essentials Taskforce meets regularly to talk about how we’re moving toward competency-based education and how we can support every single faculty member and student as we go. The members of the Essentials Taskforce include Anita Bralock, Lauren Clark (Co-Chair), Emma Cuenca, Nalo Hamilton, John Lazar, Robert Lucero, Carol Pavlish (Co-Chair), Jessica Phillips, Elizabeth Thomas, Kristine Traxler, Dottie Wiley, and Lin Zhan. Because we’re all learning together, we are open to new ideas about curriculum mapping processes.  Please feel free to contact any one of us with suggestions or input.

Thanks so much everyone.

You may want to review the Bruin Brief of 6/24 that summarized the Essentials Retreat and offered links and resources.

Significant Contributor:

Carol Pavlish, PhD, RN
Professor Emerita

SON Essentials Taskforce Co-Chair

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Lauren Clark

Professor and Shapiro Family Endowed Chair in Developmental Disability Studies

Associate Dean, Academic Programs
Office: (310) 267-5923

Mobile: (801) 503-4755
nursing.ucla.edu