FAQS

According to the Greenwood Encyclopedia of Education, curriculum mapping is:

A process by which teachers create a visual representation of curriculum as it is delivered, rather than as it is planned. Using a template with predetermined categories and format, instructors “map” their curriculum and then share and examine each other’s curricula for gaps, overlaps, redundancies, and new learning, creating a coherent, consistent curriculum within and across schools with the goal to align to standards and be responsive to student data and other school initiatives (Curriculum mapping, 2011).

Here is an example of a curriculum map or curriculum web:

The circle in the center of the web is the focus or core idea of the curriculum or lesson plan.  The connecting circles represent elements, concepts, or activities that contribute to instruction and learning to achieve educational outcomes.

Curriculum maps can be created using Microsoft Word:

• Microsoft Word using Smart Art
  • Open a new Word document
  • Click on the Insert tab
  • Click on SmartArt in the Illustrations area in the ribbon at the top
  • Select Relationship from the column on the left of the pop-up box
  • Select Basic Radial and click enter.

Curriculum mapping. (2011). In J. W. Collins, & N. P. O'Brien (Eds.), The Greenwood Dictionary of Education (2nd ed.). Greenwood Press.