LO2. Write Learning Outcomes

How to Write Learning Outcomes

August 23, 2019 | By Nikos Andriotis https://elearningindustry.com

The statement of the Learning Outcome should start with the verb. It is a specific act that identifies the performance to be demonstrated. It must be clear, meaningful, measurable, and manageable.

1. The learning outcomes must come as a development, the offshoot, or connected to the competency previously stated. For example: the competency unit states, “communicate effectively in English”. The learning outcome is ‘demonstrate the ability to speak clearly and concisely’. Another learning outcome of that competency unit is ‘demonstrate an ability to listen and comprehend effectively’.

The learning outcome ‘demonstrate the ability to speak clearly and concisely’ is different from the learning outcome ‘demonstrate an ability to listen and comprehend effectively’, and yet, both of them are clearly relevant, related, and connected to the competency unit “communicate effectively in English”.

2. The learning outcomes are briefly and clearly expressed that a layman understands.

3. Active verbs should be used to show measurable performance. Learning outcomes must be measurable. Avoid using generic verbs like learn, understand, be aware of, etc. which do not appear to be measurable except if you ask clarificatory questions.

4. Write the sentences in a language that students (and those outside the field) will be able to understand.

5. Usually Learning Outcomes are not content-specific. That is, learning outcomes do not describe the topics/content the students will study in the course, but the skills students will demonstrate after successfully completing the course.

6. Learning Outcomes should focus on the overarching concepts, skills, abilities, behaviors, or attitudes that students will present at the end of the course.

7. Most importantly, Learning Outcomes must be measurable, assessable, and should imply assessment.

8. Learning Outcomes should not be so specific to preclude flexibility, in the event different instructors teach sections of the same course.

9. Learning Outcomes should be the same, despite differing teaching methods and assessment types from one instructor to the other. In the end students should have the same skills on completing the course, regardless of instructor or assessments used.