title: Order out of chaos: the use of a matrix to validate curriculum integrity.
abstract: The rapid pace of change in the health care system now mandates that curriculum design be a dynamic, living process. A structural grid, or matrix, that lists the nursing courses and the major concepts identified in the philosophy and the theoretical framework was developed by the nursing faculty. The matrix is a visual representation of the curriculum concepts and how they are implemented in each course. The matrix serves as a reference point to validate that the essential knowledge for safe practice and new developments in nursing are being taught. The matrix is a living document, expected to evolve, that validates the integrity of the curriculum and confirms that faculty are "teaching what they say they are teaching."
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, USA. carol.heinrich@po-box.esu.edu
authors.forename: Carol R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Heinrich
authors.forename: Karen J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Karner
authors.forename: Beverly H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Gaglione
authors.forename: Linda Jo
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Lambert
mesh_terms: D003210:Concept Formation; D003479:Curriculum; D004506:Education, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing