Curriculum Mapping and Embedded Assessment for Course & Program Evaluation
Timeline: 6 months
Model: Embedded Program Evaluation, Dick & Carey Systems Approach for Professional development
Responsibilities: Consultation to leadership on crafting program learning outcomes and designing signature assignments and rubrics in Canvas - Instructional design and development of professional development opportunities
Tools: Genially, Camtasia, and Microsoft Word
I partnered with the School of Business and Management (SBM) leadership at Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) to refine the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), curriculum maps, and embedded assessments for the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. I engineered the Canvas LMS data architecture required to streamline collection efforts for both program- and course-level evaluations. Additionally, I developed an interactive infographic in Genially alongside targeted job aids to support faculty in understanding the embedded assessment framework, aligning their courses with programmatic benchmarks, and independently executing the technical steps to import and deploy the universal assessment rubric within their Canvas course shells.
THE CHALLENGE & THE SOLUTION
The SBM leadership needed to capture longitudinal, program-level data within Canvas LMS to meet robust backend accreditation metrics. However, this system requirement had to be achieved without exposing programmatic mastery dashboards to students. Furthermore, the existing PLOs did not fully describe observable and measurable outcomes, leading to instances where faculty members designed course learning outcomes (CLOs) and assessments that diverged from overarching program goals. Compounding these curricular alignment hurdles was a significant knowledge gap regarding the precise configuration of Canvas rubrics required for centralized, standardized data collection, and the technical mechanics of the embedded assessment approach.
Over this six-month initiative, I guided the collaborative development of measurable and observable PLO statements and signature assignments. To operationalize this framework, I engineered a specialized Canvas data architecture that aggregates centralized data using master rubrics that integrate both PLO and CLO metrics. To ensure data integrity and bridge the institutional knowledge gap, I built a comprehensive suite of learning assets for faculty. These deliverables included interactive learning experiences on the Embedded Program Evaluation framework as well as step-by-step job aids on curriculum mapping and multimedia on how to independently import the SBM-account rubric into local course shells and utilize it effectively to assess performance at both the course and program levels.
DESIGN
To ensure that the newly developed student learning outcome statements described strictly observable, measurable behaviors and supported competency-based assessments, I introduced the SBM leadership to Marzano and Kendall’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. To facilitate centralized data aggregation and protect data validity, I spearheaded the development of a master rubric architecture at the SBM sub-account level. Collaborative sessions with the Dean resulted in the creation of universal, course-level criteria designed to evaluate the explicit and implied skills embedded within the PLO statements, allowing the criteria to fit seamlessly into any course aligned with that specific PLO on the curriculum map. The overarching PLO statements were then structurally attached to the rubric to systematically capture student performance metrics at the program level.
To maximize faculty engagement and retention within a compact 15-minute microlearning experience, I employed a combination of interactive text-based elements and multimedia learning assets. The resulting instructional design scaffolds faculty through:
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An overview of the S.T.A.R. framework for program and course evaluation.
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The pedagogical principles of the Embedded Program Evaluation approach.
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Targeted micro-modules on crafting measurable CLOs and designing assessments directly aligned with PLOs.
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Technical walkthroughs on independently importing the master rubric from the sub-account into individual course shells.
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Best practices for utilizing the interactive rubric within SpeedGrader to ensure flawless, backend data aggregation.
DEVELOPMENT
To bring this dual-layered framework to life, I handled both the backend data engineering within Canvas LMS and the frontend faculty enablement in Genially. Inside the Canvas sub-account, I built out the programmatic sub-outcome statements using the classic interface, mapping out the custom mastery point metrics and calculation rules required to feed the assessment pipeline. Simultaneously, I used Genially to develop a highly interactive, responsive microlearning infographic that serves as the central training hub for faculty. By combining interactive text triggers, visual callouts, and multimedia walk-throughs in Genially, I scaffolded the technical steps of the Canvas workflow into an engaging, self-paced learning asset. This cohesive development strategy successfully translated complex institutional data requirements into a seamless, accessible user experience for our instructors.
IMPLEMENTATION
The interactive infographic is shared with faculty members via email and is part of the onboarding training for new faculty members.