What are Learning Outcomes?

Learning outcomes are statements expressing what the student should know, understand or be able to do after a period of learning, long or short. 

Intended learning outcomes are short concise descriptions and should be supported by the learning and teaching activities, and students have the opportunity to demonstrate their learning via assessment.  By aligning the learning outcomes, learning and teaching activities and assessment activities, we are facilitating students learning journey and encouraging them to construct their own learning.  As such, we are moving away from what the teacher does, to what the student does. 

Learning outcomes focus on what the student can demonstrate at the end of a learning activity.” (Kennedy, 2007)

Learning outcomes are now the de facto standard (and Bologna compliant) means of describing courses and modules at many levels of education; a reflection of the shift from a content centred approach to one which overtly recognises that the student is responsible for his/her own learning and has to be able to demonstrate attainment of key competencies and knowledge before being judged to have successfully completed a programme of learning.

Learning outcomes, used appropriately, provide a powerful approach to course design, helping to identify the most effective teaching and assessment methods. Learning outcomes, teaching & learning approaches and assessment methods should be “constructively aligned” (Biggs, 1999) in order to achieve maximum benefit. Increasingly, the match between specified outcomes and assessment is subject to scrutiny through quality review and professional accreditation bodies and is also an aspect of the Bologna framework.



Useful resources

Short lesson on writing learning outcomes, developed by University of Edinburgh

“Writing and Using Learning Outcomes: A Practical Guide”, D. Kennedy, UCC & NAIRTL, 2007

Orr, R.B., Csikari, M.M., Freeman, S. and Rodriguez, M.C., 2022. Writing and using learning objectives. CBE—Life Sciences Education21(3), p.fe3.
 
Biggs, John (1999) 'What the Student Does: teaching for enhanced learning', Higher Education Research & Development, 18:1, 57 - 75

 

QA275 Learning Outcomes QuickGuide

A downloadable two page guide and checklist for learning outcomes.

Download Learning Outcomes Quick Guide

 

QA276 Programme Outcomes QuickGuide

Download Programme Outcomes Quick Guide

 


Advice

If you would like an individual consultation or advice, you are very welcome to contact the Educational Developer and an appointment can be booked via the CELT office.