Learning outcomes are the bedrock of effective education. These are clear statements that describe what a student should know, understand, or be able to do as a result of completing a course or program. Often referred to as “Backwards Course Design,” learning outcomes provide a roadmap for both educators and students, ensuring that teaching and learning are focused and purposeful. A typical learning outcome statement follows this structure:
- As a result of participating in (program/course name), you (students) will be able to (action verb) (learning statement).
Think of learning outcomes as your educational compass. They are not just about what you teach, but what students actually learn and can demonstrate. By strategically using learning outcomes, educators can transform their courses into powerful learning experiences that truly benefit students.
What Exactly Are Learning Outcomes?
Learning outcomes are more than just topics to be covered; they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for student learning. They shift the focus from what instructors intend to teach to what students will actually gain from the learning process. The concept of “Backwards Course Design” emphasizes starting with these desired outcomes and then designing the curriculum, teaching methods, and assessments to align with and achieve them.
As highlighted in the template, a well-structured learning outcome clearly states:
- Action Verb: This verb describes the observable and measurable action a student will perform (e.g., analyze, design, evaluate).
- Learning Statement: This specifies the knowledge, skill, or attitude the student will acquire.
For example, in a writing course, a learning outcome might be: “As a result of participating in this composition course, you will be able to construct well-supported arguments in written form.” This outcome is clear, focusing on the student’s ability to “construct” arguments, which is an observable and assessable skill.
Why Learning Outcomes Matter: Benefits for Educators and Students
Defining learning outcomes is not merely an administrative task; it’s a fundamental step towards creating effective and student-centered learning environments. The benefits are significant for both instructors and learners.
For Educators
Clear learning outcomes empower educators to:
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Streamline Course Content: Learning outcomes act as a filter, helping instructors make informed decisions about what content is truly essential. By focusing on what students need to learn, educators can avoid overloading courses with extraneous material and prioritize key concepts and skills. This targeted approach ensures that every element of the course contributes directly to the desired learning achievements.
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Design Targeted Assessments: Outcomes provide a blueprint for assessment design. When instructors know precisely what students should be able to do, they can create assessments that directly measure those abilities. This alignment ensures that evaluations are fair, relevant, and accurately reflect student learning. Instead of simply testing recall, assessments can be designed to evaluate the deeper skills and knowledge articulated in the learning outcomes.
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Develop Effective Teaching Strategies: Learning outcomes guide the selection of appropriate teaching methods and learning activities. Knowing the desired outcomes allows educators to choose strategies that are most effective in helping students reach those goals. For example, if an outcome involves critical analysis, teaching strategies might include case studies, debates, or problem-based learning activities that actively engage students in analytical thinking.
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Measure Learning Effectiveness: Learning outcomes provide measurable benchmarks for evaluating the success of a course. By assessing student achievement against these outcomes, instructors can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of their teaching and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach to course design allows for continuous refinement and enhancement of the learning experience.
For Students
Access to well-articulated learning outcomes significantly benefits students by:
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Ensuring Course Alignment: Students can use learning outcomes to determine if a course aligns with their academic goals and interests. By reviewing the outcomes in a syllabus or course description, students can make informed decisions about course selection and ensure that their learning is relevant to their overall educational trajectory.
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Clarifying Success Expectations: Learning outcomes clearly define what students need to achieve to succeed in a course. This transparency removes ambiguity and allows students to focus their efforts on the most important aspects of the learning experience. Students understand exactly what is expected of them, fostering a sense of direction and purpose.
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Promoting Learning Ownership: When students understand the intended learning outcomes, they can take greater ownership of their learning process. Knowing what they are expected to achieve empowers students to become active participants in their education, seeking out resources and strategies to meet those outcomes. This sense of agency can significantly enhance motivation and engagement.
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Fostering Mindful Learning: Learning outcomes encourage students to be more mindful of their learning journey. By being aware of the intended outcomes, students can actively monitor their progress and reflect on their learning. This metacognitive approach promotes deeper understanding and retention of knowledge and skills.
Crafting Effective Learning Outcomes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating well-written learning outcomes is a skill that can be developed and refined. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Identify Core Knowledge, Skills, and Values
Begin by reflecting on the essential elements of your course or program. Ask yourself:
- What are the most important things students should know after completing this learning experience? (Cognitive domain)
- What are the key skills students should be able to do? (Psychomotor and Cognitive domains)
- What values or attitudes should students develop or appreciate? (Affective domain)
Consider the overarching goals of your course and the broader field of study. Brainstorm a list of potential learning outcomes based on these reflections.
Step 2: Use Action Verbs
Select strong action verbs that describe observable and measurable behaviors. Refer to resources like Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives for a comprehensive list of verbs categorized by different levels of learning. Bloom’s Taxonomy provides a hierarchical framework that can help you choose verbs that align with the desired level of cognitive complexity for your outcomes.
Examples of Effective Action Verbs:
- Analyze
- Apply
- Classify
- Compare
- Create
- Design
- Evaluate
- Explain
- Identify
- Interpret
- Summarize
Step 3: Avoid Unclear Verbs
Steer clear of verbs that are vague, ambiguous, or difficult to measure. These verbs often describe internal states or processes that are not directly observable.
Examples of Verbs to Avoid:
- Appreciate
- Become aware of
- Become familiar with
- Know
- Learn
- Understand
- Be exposed to
- Cover
- Study
While these verbs might represent important aspects of learning, they are not suitable for writing effective learning outcomes because they lack measurability. Instead, try to rephrase outcomes using more concrete and observable action verbs. For example, instead of “students will understand the principles of economics,” consider “students will be able to apply economic principles to analyze real-world scenarios.”
Step 4: Draft and Refine
Write a draft of your learning outcomes, keeping in mind the principles discussed. Be realistic about what students can reasonably achieve within the timeframe of your course or program. It’s better to have a few well-defined, achievable outcomes than a long list of overly ambitious ones. Focus on the most essential learning achievements.
Step 5: Review and Edit
Review your drafted outcomes to ensure they are clear, concise, and measurable. Use a checklist or rubric to evaluate your learning outcomes against established criteria. Seek feedback from colleagues or educational experts to further refine your outcomes. The review process is crucial for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of your learning outcomes.
Conclusion
Learning outcomes are indispensable tools for designing effective educational experiences. By clearly defining what students should achieve, educators can create focused, purposeful, and impactful courses and programs. For students, learning outcomes provide clarity, direction, and a framework for taking ownership of their learning journey. Embracing the power of learning outcomes is a step towards creating more meaningful and successful educational experiences for everyone involved.
References
Davis, B. G. (2009). Tools for teaching (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Bloom, B. S., Engelhart, M. D., Furst, E. J., Hill, E. J., & Krathwohl, D. R. (Eds.). (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals. New York, NY: Longmans, Green and Co.
Walvoord, B. E. (2010). Assessment clear and simple: A practical guide for institutions, departments and general education. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
