Good learning outcomes are clear statements defining what students should know or be able to do upon completing a learning experience. Based on the provided references, five key characteristics typically define strong learning outcomes.
Well-written learning outcomes serve as a foundation for course design, guiding instructional activities, content selection, and assessment methods. They articulate the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities students are expected to gain. According to the provided information, the five core characteristics that make learning outcomes effective are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Student-centered
These characteristics ensure outcomes are clear, actionable, and focused on student accomplishment.
Understanding the Five Characteristics
Let's delve into each characteristic to understand its importance in crafting effective learning outcomes.
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Specific: Good learning outcomes are Specific. They pinpoint exactly what students will be able to do or know. Instead of vague terms, they use precise action verbs that describe observable skills or knowledge. This ensures clarity for both instructors and students about the expected learning. As noted in the references, specific outcomes focus on student behavior and performance.
- Example: Instead of "Students will learn about research methods," a specific outcome is "Students will design a basic quantitative research study."
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Measurable: Good learning outcomes are Measurable. They describe student actions or outputs that can be assessed to determine if the outcome has been met. This means the outcome must define a performance or product that can be observed and evaluated. The references highlight that measurable outcomes involve observable and assessable actions.
- Example: Instead of "Students will understand poetry," a measurable outcome is "Students will analyze the themes and literary devices in a given poem."
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Achievable: Good learning outcomes are Achievable (or Attainable). They represent realistic expectations for what students can accomplish within the context of the course, considering the timeframe, resources, and students' prior knowledge. Outcomes should challenge students but remain within reach. The references state that achievable outcomes are realistic and within the scope of the course.
- Example: For an introductory course, an achievable outcome might be "Students will explain the core principles of supply and demand," rather than "Students will develop complex macroeconomic models."
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Relevant: Good learning outcomes are Relevant. They align with the course content, activities, and assessments. More broadly, they should connect to program goals, institutional mission, and the potential future needs of students (academic or professional). The references emphasize that relevant outcomes are aligned with course content and program goals.
- Example: For a course on public speaking, a relevant outcome is "Students will deliver a persuasive speech to an audience."
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Student-centered: Good learning outcomes are Student-centered. They focus on what the student will be able to do or demonstrate, rather than describing instructor activities or course topics. They are framed from the student's perspective, using "Students will be able to..." The references explicitly state that student-centered outcomes focus on what the student will do, not the instructor, and are student-centered statements.
- Example: Instead of "This course will cover the history of Rome," a student-centered outcome is "Students will evaluate the major factors contributing to the decline of the Roman Empire."
Summary Table
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Specific | Clearly states what students will do or know. |
| Measurable | Describes actions/performance that can be assessed. |
| Achievable | Represents realistic expectations for students in the course. |
| Relevant | Aligns with course content, assessments, and program goals. |
| Student-centered | Focuses on what the student, not the instructor, will accomplish. |
Beyond the Five: Other Important Considerations
While the five characteristics above are fundamental, good learning outcomes also embody other important principles highlighted in the references:
- They represent expectations for what students are able to do independently by the end of the course. This reinforces the focus on student capability and the summative nature of outcomes.
- They reference changes in students' knowledge, abilities and/or skills. Outcomes describe the transformation students undergo, detailing the specific learning gains.
- They incorporate various levels of cognitive complexity. Effective outcomes use action verbs that reflect different levels of thinking, from basic recall to higher-order skills like analysis, evaluation, and creation, often mapped using frameworks like Bloom's Taxonomy.
By focusing on these characteristics and principles, educators can create meaningful learning outcomes that clearly communicate expectations, guide learning experiences, and facilitate effective assessment.
