“Defining, translating and assessing learning outcomes “

Course in the framework of the Summer School 2013, Koblenz

Who we are

QANU - Quality Assurance Netherlands Universities, Barbara van Balen; http://www.qanu.nl/en

World University Service (WUS) Austria, Veronika Nitsche and Michaela Handke;

www.wus-austria.org

This course gives an introduction on how to develop learning outcomes, considering international academic and professional requirements.

Main topics:– Development of study programmes relevant to the professional field– How to write learning outcomes– Modularisation of programmes– Designing curricula/syllabi based on learning outcomes– Correct usage of ECTS/assessment of course workload– Linking learning outcomes to teaching and learning activities and

assessment

Contents

Learning outcomes (acquired competences)

By the end of this course, participants are able to:- Define the requirements set by academics and professionals in the field;- Formulate solid and meaningful intended learning outcomes;- Identify the requirements of the labor market in the frame of curriculum

development; - Design effective syllabi/curricula; - Identify different learning outcomes in a program, and identify possible points for

improvement;- Calculate and use ECTS;- Prepare and analyze learning activities from (1) a learner´s perspective and (2) from

the perspective of a potential employer;- Link learning outcomes to teaching and learning activities, and to the assessment

methods;- Make learning outcomes testable;- Develop a test plan in line with the learning outcomes.

Course parameters

- 16 hours of lectures (plus preparation)- 1 ECTS - Language: English

Examination

- 2 grades: pass/fail - In order to pass a participant has to attend

min. 75% of the course and write a short essay

Dates and course programme

- 02/07/2013, 10:15 – 15:45- 03/07/2013, 14:15 – 17:45- 04/07/2013, 14:15 – 17:45- 05/07/2013, 10:15 – 15:45

Literature

Declan Kennedy, Áine Hyland, Norma Ryan: “Writing and using learning outcomes: a practical guide”, article C 3.4-1 in Eric Froment, Jürgen Kohler, Lewis Purser and Lesley Wilson (eds.): EUA Bologna Handbook – Making Bologna Work (Berlin 2006: Raabe Verlag) (available on line)

Marjorie Devine & Nevart Yaghlian: Test Construction Manual, Construction of Objective Tests. http://www.cte.cornell.edu/documents/Test%20Construction%20Manual.pdf

Eberly Center: Design your course. http://www.cmu.edu/teaching/designteach/design/index.html

John Biggs: ‘Aligning teaching and assesing to course objectives.’ Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: New Trends and Innovations. University of Aveiro, 2003. (pdf available on line)

Your expectations for the course?- About yourself and your expectations for the

course.- What are the current challenges in higher

education (HE) in your home country?- Which challenges are tackled by the project you

are participating in?