Appendix B - Template for Writing Learning Outcomes

This template may be used to write learning outcomes for a workshop, course, or program.

To use the template, work backwards! Begin with the far-right column. Note that “in here” means in the course, program, or workshop. “Out there” refers to after they leave and for an extended period after they leave. Stiehl (2017)15 even suggests this extended period is for life!

Directions

Enter answers to the question about the intended outcomes
Identify assessment tasks.
List skills that must be mastered to demonstrate the outcome.
List the concepts and issues that students must understand to demonstrate the outcome.

Concepts & Issues	Skills	Assessment Tasks	Intended Outcomes
What must the students understand to demonstrate the outcome?	What skills must students master to demonstrate the outcome?	What will students do “in here” to demonstrate the outcome?	What do students need to be able to DO “out there” that we are responsible for “in here?”

²⁹Adapted from the Program/Course-Workshop Outcomes Guide, resource available by Ruth Stiehl (2017) in The New Outcome Primers Series 2.0, which includes six “primers” on outcomes and related topics. Published by The Learning Organization, Corvalis, Oregon. Visit www.outcomeprimer.com