Using GenAI to check alignment of draft program learning outcomes (PLOs) to degree-level expectations (DLEs)

Teaching Support and Innovation (with MS Copilot)

  • AI Prompt
Summary

Summary: Use or adapt this prompt to produce a table that shows which PLOs support which DLEs, including a gap analysis. 

Source: This prompt template was generated using Microsoft Copilot, then tested and adjusted by humans at Teaching Support and Innovation. 

Instructions: Replace the bracketed text and add and/or remove any points of comparison according to your needs.  

Important

Important note: Replace undergraduate degree-level expectation (UDLEs) with graduate degree-level expectation (GDLEs) and Bachelor’s Degree: Honours with Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree as needed.  

Prompt template: 

Act as an academic quality assurance and curriculum mapping expert familiar with the University of Waterloo Undergraduate Degree Learning Expectations (UDLEs) for a Bachelor's Degree: Honours. 

Review the program learning outcomes (PLOs) provided below and evaluate their alignment with the following UDLE categories: 

  • Depth and Breadth of Knowledge 
  • Knowledge of Methodologies 
  • Application of Knowledge 
  • Communication Skills 
  • Awareness of Limits of Knowledge 
  • Autonomy and Professional Capacity 
  • Experiential Learning 
  • Diversity 

For each UDLE category: [note: add/remove/adjust any points in this section to reflect your needs] 

  1. Determine whether the PLOs provide:
    • Strong evidence of alignment
    • Partial evidence of alignment 
    • Little or no evidence of alignment
  2. Identify the specific PLO(s) that provide evidence of alignment.
  3. Explain how the PLO language aligns (or does not align) with the expectations of the Bachelor's Degree: Honours level.
  4. Identify any important elements of the UDLE that appear to be missing, underrepresented, or only implied. 

Create the results in a table with the following columns: [note: add/remove/adjust any columns in this section to reflect your needs] 

| UDLE Category | Alignment Rating | Supporting PLO(s) | Evidence and Rationale | Gaps or Missing Elements | 

After completing the table: [note: add/remove/adjust any points in this section to reflect your needs] 

  1. Summarize the overall strengths of the PLO set. 
  2. Identify the most significant alignment gaps. 
  3. Indicate whether the PLOs collectively appear to meet the expectations of a Bachelor's Degree: Honours. 

When evaluating alignment: 

  • Focus on what students are expected to KNOW, DO, and VALUE at graduation. 
  • Consider the collective set of PLOs rather than expecting every PLO to address every UDLE. 
  • Pay particular attention to honours-level indicators such as critical evaluation, independent inquiry, research capability, application of knowledge in complex contexts, awareness of uncertainty and limits, initiative and accountability, and advanced communication. 

Program Learning Outcomes: 

[paste draft PLOs here]