learning outcomes 7ksyp

8/11/2019 Learning Outcomes 7KSYP

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Learning OutcomesLearning Outcomes

Why do we need to specify them?Why do we need to specify them?


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What are Learning Outcomes:What are Learning Outcomes:

Learning outcomes are statements of a learningLearning outcomes are statements of a learning

achievement and are expressed in terms of what theachievement and are expressed in terms of what the

learner is expected to know, understand and be able to dolearner is expected to know, understand and be able to doon completion of the award or module. They may alsoon completion of the award or module. They may also

include attitudes, behaviours, values and ethics.include attitudes, behaviours, values and ethics.

Learning outcomes are different from aims, in that they areLearning outcomes are different from aims, in that they are

concerned with the achievements of the learner, ratherconcerned with the achievements of the learner, rather

than the overall intentions of the tutor.than the overall intentions of the tutor.

Teaching and learning methods and assessment processesTeaching and learning methods and assessment processes

are aligned directly with the learning outcomes.are aligned directly with the learning outcomes.


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However, and more importantly for theHowever, and more importantly for the

stage at which we find ourselves at thestage at which we find ourselves at the

moment, the benefits also include:moment, the benefits also include:

a means to ensure that assessment methods area means to ensure that assessment methods are

appropriate to outcomesappropriate to outcomes

a means to ensure that teaching and learning methods area means to ensure that teaching and learning methods are

appropriate to outcomesappropriate to outcomes

a means to facilitate feedback to studentsa means to facilitate feedback to students

a method of reflection for curriculum designers on whata method of reflection for curriculum designers on whatthey want to achievethey want to achieve

a guide for matching content to levela guide for matching content to level


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In addition, the benefits extend to provide:In addition, the benefits extend to provide:

clarification for external examiners, external assessorsclarification for external examiners, external assessors

a basis from which to guide the process of credit transfera basis from which to guide the process of credit transfer

and accreditation of prior learningand accreditation of prior learning


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What sort of Learning Outcomes should beWhat sort of Learning Outcomes should be

specified and how are they categorised:specified and how are they categorised: The specification should contain only those outcomes which haveThe specification should contain only those outcomes which have valuevalue

and are measurable, i.e. those where student achievement isand are measurable, i.e. those where student achievement is

recognised either by formal assessment or by judgement.recognised either by formal assessment or by judgement.

Normally learning outcomes are grouped into six categories, withNormally learning outcomes are grouped into six categories, within twoin two

broad bands of subject content and transferable skills:broad bands of subject content and transferable skills:

1. Subject mastery: Understanding, Knowledge, Subject1. Subject mastery: Understanding, Knowledge, Subject--specific skillsspecific skills

2. Personal abilities: Cognitive skills, Core Skills, Profession2. Personal abilities: Cognitive skills, Core Skills, ProfessionalalAwarenessAwareness

Note:Note: Each course should contain learning outcomes from all three sub-categories of Subject

Mastery, but do not necessarily have to include all sub-categories of Personal Abilities.


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Where to start:Where to start:

If you have some information to hand about your course,If you have some information to hand about your course,then that can be used as a starting point. Otherwise, herethen that can be used as a starting point. Otherwise, here

are some suggested starters:are some suggested starters:

Try to convert existing aims/objectives into learning outcomesTry to convert existing aims/objectives into learning outcomes

Make a list of the subject knowledge and the qualities, skills aMake a list of the subject knowledge and the qualities, skills andnd

capabilities you would expect students to have achieved at the ecapabilities you would expect students to have achieved at the endnd

of the module or courseof the module or course

Consider the requirements for professional practiceConsider the requirements for professional practice

To help you on the way, you could use the followingTo help you on the way, you could use the following

phrase as a framework:phrase as a framework:

On completion of this course, the learner will be able toOn completion of this course, the learner will be able to..


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What do Learning Outcomes consist of:What do Learning Outcomes consist of:

Learning outcomes should describeLearning outcomes should describethe results of thethe results of thelearning rather than the learning process itselflearning rather than the learning process itself..

A learning outcome should comprise three aspects:A learning outcome should comprise three aspects: an action verb (e.g. explain and evaluate)an action verb (e.g. explain and evaluate)

an object of the verb (e.g. the role)an object of the verb (e.g. the role)

a clause or phrase which provides the context or condition (e.g.a clause or phrase which provides the context or condition (e.g. thatthat

different institutions play as agents of global change)different institutions play as agents of global change)

Action verbs in learning outcomes should convey preciselyAction verbs in learning outcomes should convey preciselythe core of the outcome.the core of the outcome.

All learning outcome statements should be coherent:All learning outcome statements should be coherent: balanced with respect to required knowledge and skillsbalanced with respect to required knowledge and skills

logical in sequencelogical in sequence

avoiding duplications and inconsistenciesavoiding duplications and inconsistencies


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Learning Outcomes also consist of:Learning Outcomes also consist of:

All learning outcome statements should:All learning outcome statements should: be as simple as possiblebe as simple as possible

be of maximum relevance and utilitybe of maximum relevance and utility

communicate clearly what a learner is expected to achievecommunicate clearly what a learner is expected to achieve

relate to previousrelate to previouslevellevelof learning outcome statementsof learning outcome statements

In defining learning outcomes, proposed coursesIn defining learning outcomes, proposed coursesshould be discussed with colleagues and users.should be discussed with colleagues and users.

learning outcomes 7ksyp

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