Learning Outcomes are statements that describe what a student is expected to learn from a single class, a course or entire program. To be effective, the statements should describe observable and measurable actions that demonstrate the learning, and can be assessed. You should always share your learning outcomes with your students.

Learning outcomes are important because they:

  • clarify the purpose of learning and the design of assessments;
  • identify important course content;
  • clarify Instructor expectations for the level of knowledge to acquire;
  • situate a course within a program.

Formula for Writing Learning Outcomes

Verbs to avoid:
understand, recognize, know,
appreciate…

Phrases to avoid:
conscious of, awareness of,
familiar with, interested in…

By the end of this course, students should be able to: Measurable Verb + Knowdledge/Skill/Attitude + Conditions* *Purpose, how, why, under what cirsumstances, etc

The depth or level of learning should be identified in your Learning Outcome statements.

Levels of Learning and its respective list of verbs

SMART Principles for Writing Effective Learning Outcomes

Your learning outcome statements should reflect the SMART principles. 

Your learning outcomes should be: 

The next section will:

  • provide an opportunity to reflect and evaluate your learning.