How to Identify learning outcomes?

1. Start by clearly defining the goals and objectives of the learning experience. What do you want the learners to know, understand, or be able to do by the end of the learning experience?

2. Break down the goals and objectives into specific, measurable learning outcomes. Learning outcomes should be specific, observable, and measurable so that you can assess whether or not they have been achieved.

3. Use action verbs to describe the desired learning outcomes. Action verbs such as "identify," "analyze," "create," "evaluate," and "apply" can help clarify what learners are expected to do.

4. Consider the level of learning you want to achieve. Learning outcomes can be categorized into different levels of complexity, such as knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

5. Align the learning outcomes with the content, activities, and assessments of the learning experience. Make sure that the learning outcomes are realistic and achievable within the given time frame and resources.

6. Review and revise the learning outcomes as needed. It's important to regularly assess and adjust the learning outcomes based on feedback from learners and observations of their progress.

7. Communicate the learning outcomes to learners at the beginning of the learning experience. This helps set clear expectations and allows learners to understand what they are working towards.

Steps to Identify Learning Outcomes:

1. Analyze the Course Overview:
- Review the course syllabus, course description, and any other relevant materials to understand the general objectives and expectations.

2. Consider the Subject Matter:
- Identify the key concepts, principles, and skills that students are expected to master in the course. This forms the basis of the learning outcomes.

3. Specify the Cognitive Domain:
- Determine the level of cognitive engagement required for each objective. Bloom's Taxonomy (Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating, Creating) is a useful framework for categorizing learning outcomes based on their complexity.

4. Describe Observable Behaviors:
- Define observable and measurable actions that demonstrate students' understanding and proficiency. Use action verbs such as "explain," "analyze," "create," or "apply."

5. Identify Conditions and Standards:
- Specify the conditions under which students will demonstrate their learning and the acceptable standards for performance. Example: "Students will be able to write a 10-page research paper that meets university academic writing standards."

6. Write Clear and Specific Outcomes:
- Each learning outcome should be clearly stated in a way that is understandable to students. Example: "By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze and evaluate primary and secondary sources in historical research."

7. Use Verbs that Indicate Learning:
- Choose verbs that accurately represent the level of cognition required. Some common learning verbs include: demonstrate, analyze, create, evaluate, apply, interpret, communicate.

8. Organize Outcomes into Categories:
- Group related learning outcomes into categories or domains to facilitate understanding and assessment. Example: Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Synthesis, Evaluation.

9. Review and Refine:
- Once you have identified learning outcomes, review them with colleagues or subject matter experts to ensure clarity, alignment with the course content, and feasibility for assessment.

Tips:

- Keep outcomes student-centered and focused on what students should be able to do.
- Use specific and measurable criteria to evaluate student progress.
- Align learning outcomes with assessment methods to ensure fair and meaningful evaluation.
- Communicate learning outcomes clearly to students throughout the course.