The Use of Outcome Mapping in the Educational Context

Abstract

Outcome Mapping is intended to measure the process by which change occurs, it shifts away from the products of the program to focus on changes in behaviors, relationships, actions, and/or activities of the people involved in the treatment program. This process-oriented methodology, most often used in designing and evaluating community development projects uses graduated progress markers to determine if the intervention is achieving the desired outcomes and forms the basis for additional monitoring and evaluation. This theoretical paper explores the use of Outcome Mapping as an alternative or supportive method of research design and evaluation in teaching and learning contexts. Outcome mapping can provide educational researchers with the tools to think holistically and strategically about the process and partners needed to achieve successful results. This paper discusses the relevance of this method and compares and contrasts it to the functionality, use, and outcome measures utilized in current educational assessments methods