Particularly for undergraduate programs, defining the level of learning developed in a course demonstrates student growth across the curriculum.

For graduate programs, the simplified version of marking which courses develop each objective with an “X” is common because it can be assumed that achievement is at the level of mastery.

 

Introduce (often abbreviated as “I” on curricular maps)

At this level, students are not expected to be familiar with the content or skills at the collegiate level when they start the course. Learning activities focus on basic knowledge and skills and minimal complexity.

• First exposure to concept or skill,
• Theory is the primary focus,
• Application typically not discussed or only discussed at a basic level,
• Assessment of learning primarily focuses on theory, and
• If application is discussed, students either demonstrate application in a limited scope or not asked to demonstrate application.

 

Reinforce (often abbreviated as “R” on curricular maps)

At this level, students are expected to possess foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes. This level allows students to learn the material in more depth. Instructional activities build upon previous competencies with increased complexity.

• Theory and application are included,
• Application of concepts occurs in varying or multiple situations of greater complexity, and
• Skills are performed in more complex situations.

 

Mastery (often abbreviated as “M” on curricular maps)

Students are expected to possess an advanced level of knowledge and skills and attitude development. Instructional activities focus on the use of knowledge and skills or demonstration of attitudes in multiple contexts and at multiple levels of complexity. Upon completion, students can demonstrate their mastery of the learning objective at the level expected for graduation.

• Understanding of concept or development of skills and attitudes is expected prior to taking the course,
• Concepts and skills are utilized and demonstrated in conjunction with other concepts and/or skills within the discipline or other disciplines.