Using concept mapping to develop a curriculum for career studies

Abstract

My goal in this paper is to offer a simple example of a career studies curriculum developed using the technique of concept mapping. In doing this, my intention is to help others construct their own courses, and so I would like to state quite clearly that what follows is simply an example of what a career studies curriculum might look like, it is not intended as a model or set of instructions. It is desirable, and in my view, essential, that course designers design their own courses and learning outcomes for their own contexts. I will make some preliminary remarks about concept mapping, explain my own career studies concept maps, and then use these to suggest eight workshops for use with participants. These workshop ideas will be relevant to designers of courses in career education, career development, employability, personal development, professional development, enterprise and career management skills.