Student Affairs Assessment and Resources

What is a Learning Outcome?
A formal definition of a Learning Outcome might be “Learning Outcomes articulate and define the transformation goals of which the learner will achieve as a result of participating in the experience.”  In other words, what do we want the learners to take away from their participation. 

A learning outcome is also an agreement between the provider and the learner......“this is what will be provided in order for the learner to realize the defined benefits of participation.” For this reason, it is important to share the learning outcomes with the learners and realistically set expectations associated with achieving the learning outcomes.

James Madison University: What are Learning Outcomes 
Virginia Tech University: Learning Outcome Frameworks

Why are Learning Outcomes Important?
Every event, program, class or other learning opportunity has a purpose.  By intentionally defining the purpose and the goals we can then design (and measure) the experience in a manner that provides the greatest probability of transformation for the participant.  In summary, clearly defined and well executed learning outcomes provide a mechanism for impacting a student learner in a positive and intentional way.

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  Tips for Creating Learning Outcomes
  Campus Labs: Writing Learning Outcomes for Student Affairs  
  James Madison University: ABCD Method 
  NILOA: Writing Learning Outcomes 
  Texas A&M University-College Station: Writing Student Learning Outcomes

Examples of Learning Outcomes
There are a lot of ways to generate a learning outcome depending on the goal and type of program/event/opportunity.  As you begin to define what you want your learners to take away from their experience, try using these questions:

What do you want the student to be able to do?
What knowledge, skill or abilities should the student participant demonstrate?

Generally speaking, learning outcomes have several principles in common: Students will be able to (action word or phrase) (identify skill or outcome) through or as a result of participation in (define program or learning opportunity)

The action word or phrase is an importance piece of the learning outcome. It should be measurable as it will inform how you assess your outcome. There are many taxonomy’s of measurable verbs that you can use to assist you such as Bloom’s Taxonomy (with verbs) and Marzano & Kendall/Taxonomy. There is no right or wrong list, so use the one that is fits your needs.

Connecting Learning Outcomes to program goals, strategic plans, and institutional missions
Learning outcomes also provide us with the ability to map the experience to program goals, mission statements, strategic plans, institutional goals, etc……  This connectivity ensures that each learning opportunity can positively align with larger initiatives and contribute to the comprehensive learning experience for the student