Developing Learning Outcomes for Your Course

Clearly-articulated learning outcomes build the foundation for effective courses and guide the development of course lectures, assignments, and assessments. When you include them on your syllabus, as required by HB 2504, they communicate to your students what you want them to be able to demonstrate and do by the end of your course, as well as what they will gain from it.

What is the difference between learning outcomes and learning objectives?

The difference between learning outcomes and objectives has to do with who performs the activities. Learning objectives describe what an instructor aims to do, as a result, they are instructor-centered statements. Whereas, learning outcomes describe what a student will be able to do after completing a learning experience. These statements are learner-centered and help your students to know what to expect from your course.

How do I write learning outcomes?

Student learning outcomes are statements that articulate the attitudes they will foster, skills they will practice, and knowledge they will acquire by the conclusion of your course.

Most course-level learning outcomes are expressed in this format:

Students will be able to [verb] + [knowledge, skill, or attitude] + [how they will show they have achieved it].

We encourage you to design your course by integrating a balanced blend of learning outcomes (attitude, skill, and knowledge) that aligns with the focus and requirements of your course.

Student Learning Outcomes Visual Guide

Click on the image below for tips and examples about developing good learning outcomes for your course.