Video - How to Define Learning Outcomes?

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	If you have ever considered how to design effective teaching, you have likely encountered the term "learning outcomes". But what exactly are learning outcomes? They are specific measurable statements that define what the student will know, understand, and be able to do after teaching. The emphasis is on the student. In contrast to learning objectives that focus on the teacher when crafting learning outcomes, it is essential to ensure that they are both clear and measurable. Competencies encompass a broader scope and comprise a set of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Learning outcomes serve to make these competencies concrete. For instance, the student will be able to explain basic principles. Students will be able to compare theories. The student will be able to analyze data using... The student will be able to design... How does one write effective learning outcomes? A good outcome should be clear, measurable, and feasible. It begins with the student will, followed by active verbs and may also include the purpose of, or rationale. It's important to distinguish between effective and ineffective learning outcomes. The outcome - "Will no theories" is inadequate because it is not measurable. We must establish a method to assess students' knowledge. Therefore, we replace it with the outcome. We'll be able to compare theories. Now let us examine examples of effective and ineffective learning outcomes. Instead of stating "The student will understand the concept of evolution" we should use: "The student will be able to explain the basic principles of evolution". Similarly, rather than saying: "The student will learn how to use statistical software", we should express it as: "The student will be able to analyze data using the statistical software SPSS." Finally, instead of "The student will learn critical reading methods", we should write: "The student will be able to apply critical reading methods to a scientific paper." Bloom's taxonomy aids in organizing learning outcomes by level of complexity. At the initial level is remembering the ability to recall facts and basic concepts. We employ verbs such as recognize and name. For example, the student will be able to list the components of a cell. This is followed by understanding through which the student not only recalls information, but can also articulate its meaning. We can use verbs such as explain and interpret. For instance, the student will be able to explain the principle of photosynthesis. The third level is application, which involves using knowledge in a new context. We employ verbs such as apply and demonstrate. For example, the student will be able to apply Ohm's law to calculate current. The subsequent level is analysis where the student dissects in information into components and seeks relationships between them. We use verbs such as analyze and evaluate. For instance, the student will be able to analyze differences between political systems. The fifth level is evaluation, which entails making judgements based on evidence. We use verbs such as evaluate and argue. For example, the student will be able to argue ethical implications. The final sixth level is creation, which involves generating new ideas and solutions to problems. We use verbs such as design and develop. For instance, the student will be able to design an experimental protocol. It is important to note that different outcomes require different teaching and assessment methods. In the STEM course, we are more likely to write "apply the law", while in the social sciences and humanities, we are more likely to write "analyze the impact". We also need to think about the activities that will achieve certain learning outcomes. Higher cognitive levels require deeper engagement when designing learning outcomes. The SMART method can also help us. This means that each learning outcome must be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Learning outcomes Help us design and plan lessons better. Check the learning outcomes for your course and analyze whether they're well written.