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.