Curriculum Development
Programs and curriculum at Toronto Metropolitan University dynamically evolve within a landscape of changing careers, professions, and scholarly disciplines. Longstanding partnerships with community, industry, government, and professional practice, drive innovation, research and curriculum development.
Periodic Program Review (PPR) is carried out by each degree program, every eight years. This peer review process examines the program's quality and coherence, and reviews whether a program meets the Ontario Degree-Level Expectations (DLEs) (external link) . For reviews due 2019 or later see (PDF file) Senate Policy 126
New program proposals and curriculum modifications occur in the years between reviews. These reviews and changes to curriculum are part of the Institutional Quality Assurance Framework established by the Senate
For New Graduate and Undergraduate Programs see (PDF file) Senate Policy 112
For Curriculum Modifications of Grad and Undergrad Programs see (PDF file) Senate Policy 127
Program reviews and new program proposals involve analysis of curriculum that includes:
- Defining or refining program learning outcomes;
- Cross-referencing program learning outcomes with Degree Level Expectations;
- Mapping outcomes, teaching methods and forms of assessment across courses; and
- Gathering data and feedback about the program
Learning outcomes describe what students are expected to have learned or achieved. They usually describe what students will be capable of doing, or what evidence will be provided to substantiate learning.
They clarify the program’s purpose for current and potential students, and instructors to improve communication, shared expectations and program coherence.
The Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance requires each undergraduate and graduate degree program in the province to demonstrate how the program of study addresses each of the Degree Level Expectations. (external link)
- Depth and Breadth of Knowledge
- Knowledge of Methodologies (Research and Scholarship at the master’s and PhD level)
- Application of Knowledge
- Communication Skills
- Awareness of Limits of Knowledge
- Autonomy and Professional Capacity
Mapping is a visual approach to depicting where outcomes are taught and assessed in a program. Curriculum modification or review at Toronto Metropolitan uses a simple custom program for curriculum mapping. Creating and analyzing a curriculum map reveals patterns otherwise difficult to see. Contact a curriculum consultant for more information.
Data Admission data, graduation rates, retention and other statistics available through the University Planning Office statistics page). See the PPR manual for a list of tables required for program review. Student survey data reports are also available through the UPO including National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE).
Surveys The program review process involves collecting feedback from various groups including students and alumni. Draft surveys are available for program review. Contact a curriculum consultant for access.
Collecting Feedback Curriculum development consultants can also facilitate in-depth focus groups with students. Contact a consultant to learn more.
Curriculum Development Assistance
Curriculum consultations are available for new program development, program review, or program modification. Contact a curriculum development consultant for advice, an overview of the process, facilitation of curriculum discussions at meetings or retreats, to refine outcomes, to map programs, and to identify strengths and future recommendations. The consultants are also able to facilitate gathering of in-depth student feedback.