The Need to Know Information
Main Function
Learning outcomes should exist to communicate what a student is expected to know or do after successfully completing an activity, course, program, degree, or other academic credential.
Key Points to Know
- Outcomes should focus on the major learning that shows what students should be able to do or remember a few years after successfully completing an academic experience.
- Outcomes should communicate these learning expectations to students, faculty, and the public.
- Outcomes should describe actions that student can achieve in a way that faculty can measure.
Benefits
Good learning outcomes
- provide clear instructional goals for faculty members, helping them focus curriculum on content and concepts that are most important;
- present clear expectations for the students; and
- position institutions to be accountable for student learning and learning improvement.