Learning outcomes define what students should know or be able to do at the end of a course. They require actionable, measurable verbs.
However, writing effective learning outcomes can be prone to certain pitfalls, including the use of overly complex language and ambiguous verbs and terms.
Troubleshooting examples
Below are examples of common issues, along with explanations and suggested improvements. It can be helpful to review each example and troubleshoot the learning outcomes before clicking to reveal the suggested response.
- Issue: ‘Understand’ is an ambiguous and subjective verb that is difficult to measure and assess.
Improved learning outcome: Explain the strengths and weaknesses of various data models.
- Issue: ‘Have an enhanced appreciation’ is a vague term that is difficult to measure.
Improved learning outcome: Critically assess the key trends and challenges in the contemporary education landscape.
- Issue: ‘Be familiar with’ is a vague term that is difficult to measure.
Improved learning outcome: Review and summarise key findings from a broad range of scholarship on the contemporary education landscape.
- Issue: ‘Clarify their knowledge’ is not clear about what action the student should take. The learning outcome is also interdependent on a previously listed outcome. A learning outcome should be self-contained and not rely on other outcomes for context or understanding.
Improved learning outcome: Explain the key concepts related to educational theories and pedagogical approaches in the contemporary education landscape.
- Issue: The term ‘effectively’ is subjective and involves a quality judgement. The learning outcome should focus on a specific, observable behaviour, and the quality of that behaviour is assessed separately using criteria, for example an assessment rubric.
Improved learning outcome: Apply educational theories to real-world teaching scenarios through the design and evaluation of lesson plans.
Integrate this knowledge to formulate and implement innovative strategies for enhancing learner engagement and optimising educational outcomes in diverse learning environments.
- Issue: This learning outcome uses complicated language and covers too many concepts, skills and contexts, making it difficult for students to understand. Aim for clear and specific language.
Improved learning outcome: Apply educational theories to develop engaging lessons that support student learning across diverse settings.
- Learn
- Realise
- Recognise
- Conceptualise
- Experience
- Be aware of
- Be familiar with
- Know
- Perceive
- Appreciation for
- Interest in
- Conscious of
- Understanding of
- Be exposed to