Applications and Benefits of Curriculum Mapping: a Systematic Review of International Documents

Introduction: Maps can create a deeper insight of our surrounding environment. The map can also be used in curriculum for its reforming, and developing and ultimately improving teaching-learning process. This systematic review aimed to identify applications and benefits of curriculum mapping. Methods: Seven search engine and websites were searched using the keywords including curriculum mapping, curriculum map (s), medical, curriculum development and planning. 1100 article was found and 179 article were enrolled in the study. Then the relevant article (i.e. 36 articles) were selected and analyzed. Results: 112 advantage and 111 applications were found in reviewed articles. 32 advantage and 29 applications were listed after removing repetitive cases and merging some cases. The most common mentioned advantage was developing a participation culture (students and teachers participation in curriculum). Most applications of these maps were curriculum monitoring and evaluation from different perspective regarding to the required competencies for students. Conclusion: Various users including curriculum planners, administrators, professors and students use curriculum mapping according to their needs. Regarding the benefits of curriculum mapping and its various applications in the educational system, it is suggested that teachers and administrators in each department, design a curriculum map in a project. In this regard, computer programmers can increase accuracy and speed in the project