M4 Activity 1: CO–PO Mapping

Here's a complete suggestion for Activity 1: CO–PO Mapping, a hands-on exercise to help participants understand how Course Outcomes (COs) relate to Program Outcomes (POs) in Outcome-Based Education (OBE).

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🎯 Activity Title: CO–PO Mapping

🧩 Activity Objective

To enable participants to:

• Map Course Outcomes (COs) to relevant Program Outcomes (POs).

• Understand the logic and justification behind CO–PO alignment.

• Learn how to assign correlation levels (Low, Medium, High / 1, 2, 3).

• Build a CO–PO matrix as used in OBE documentation and accreditation.

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🧑‍🏫 Facilitator Instructions

Step 1: Explain the Concept

Give a brief overview:

• COs are specific to a course; POs are broader goals at the program level.

• Each CO may support one or more POs.

• CO–PO mapping helps ensure curriculum coherence and accountability.

• Mapping should be evidence-based, not arbitrary.

• Typically, correlation levels are:

  • 3 = High (strong contribution),

  • 2 = Medium (moderate contribution),

  • 1 = Low (minor contribution),

  • 0 = No correlation

Step 2: Provide the Sample Inputs

🧾 Sample Course: Data Structures

CO No.	Course Outcome Statement
CO1	Explain the fundamentals of linear and nonlinear data structures.
CO2	Apply data structures like stacks, queues, and linked lists to solve computational problems.
CO3	Analyze time and space complexity of algorithms.
CO4	Implement search and sort algorithms using appropriate data structures.

🔡 POs (Sample from Engineering Program)

PO Code	Program Outcome
PO1	Engineering knowledge
PO2	Problem analysis
PO3	Design/development of solutions
PO4	Investigation of complex problems
PO5	Modern tool usage
PO12	Lifelong learning

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📝 Participant Task

1. Work in small groups.

2. For each CO, identify which POs it supports.

3. Assign a correlation level (1, 2, or 3).

4. Provide a brief justification for each mapping.

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📊 Sample CO–PO Mapping Table Template

CO / PO	PO1	PO2	PO3	PO4	PO5	PO12
CO1	3	2	0	0	1	0
CO2	2	3	2	0	2	0
CO3	1	3	0	2	1	0
CO4	2	2	3	1	2	0

Note: This is only one sample. Mapping may vary based on how the course is taught and assessed.

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🗣️ Justification Sheet Template

CO No.	PO Mapped	Correlation Level	Justification
CO1	PO1	3	Students acquire foundational knowledge of data structures, directly supporting PO1.
CO2	PO2	3	Problem-solving using data structures demonstrates analytical ability.
CO3	PO4	2	Involves investigation and complexity analysis.
CO4	PO3	3	Designing and implementing algorithms aligns with solution development.

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🔁 Group Debrief (Facilitator-led)

• Were there any differences in mapping between groups?

• How did you decide between “2” and “3”?

• Can the mapping be supported with assessment tools?

✅ Tip: Encourage evidence-based discussion. Use assessments, rubrics, or course content to justify mappings.

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🛠️ Optional Resources

• Pre-filled Excel Template with dropdowns for mapping values

• Rubric to evaluate justification quality

• Sample CO-PO matrix in Word or PDF format

• CO-PO mapping dashboard (if you're using Google Sheets or Excel)