writing learning outcomes: why quality matters
TRANSCRIPT
LEARNING OUTCOMES: WHY QUALITY MATTERSDarcy Turner, Instructional DesignerSaint Paul College
Learning outcomes are the most important component of any course.
They lay the foundation for the design, delivery, and assessment of
learning and serve as an implied contract between instructor and student
by defining what is to be taught and what is to be learned.
WORKSHOP OUTCOMES
By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:• Describe the levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy• Identify the ABCDs of writing learning outcomes• Explain the characteristics of good learning outcomes• Identify common problems within bad outcomes• Assess the quality of learning outcomes
THE BASICSGeneral information about learning outcomes
BLOOM’S TAXONOMYRememberi
ngUnderstandi
ngApplying Analyzing Evaluating Creating
define describe demonstrate breakdown argue composeidentify discuss interpret compare assess create
list explain practice differentiate defend develop
match give examples show examine judge relate
recognize summarize use outline select planLower level Higher level
THE ABCDS OF LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Audience (Who is learning?)
Behavior (What do you want learners to do?)
Condition (Under what conditions will learners be assessed?)
Degree (What level of performance do you expect?)
Example: • By the end of Unit 2, students will be able to list the eight parts of speech.
THE DIRTY DOZEN12 WORDS YOU SHOULD NEVER USE IN LEARNING
OBJECTIVESNaughty Words Why? Better Choices
1. Understand2. Know3. Comprehend4. Learn
Ambiguous – what does it mean to “understand” something?
DescribeListRecallrecognize
5. Explore6. Reflect7. Think critically about
These are mental processes that we cannot see, and therefore cannot measure
AnalyzeAssessEvaluate
8. Appreciate9. Enjoy10.Believe11.Value12.Experience
These are subjective emotional responses – not indicators of learning
List (acknowledge) multiple perspectives Describe your feelingsSummarize your experience
GOOD VS. BAD OUTCOMESCharacteristics and examples
CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD OBJECTIVES
1. Expectations are specific2. Contain measurable behaviors3. Describe learning4. Contain only one action verb5. Written in student-friendly language
Examples:• Explain three of the potential benefits of a regular yoga practice.• Summarize the plot of The Lottery.
CHARACTERISTICS OF BAD OUTCOMES
1. Expectations are vague• Explore other types of motion for rotational and oscillating systems.
2. Not measurable• Understand the importance of recycling.
3. Describe a task• Complete a quiz on Chapter 2 content.
BAD OUTCOMES, CONTINUED4. Too many action verbs
• Recognize how stress affects health, differentiate between the broad categories of psychological disorders, explain how specific disorders are diagnosed, and evaluate corresponding therapies.
5. Complex wording confuses students• Utilize an established cyclical approach to compose prose that contains
evidence-based arguments.
ASSESSING LEARNING OBJECTIVESCan you spot the bad ones?
Learning Objective or Why?Arrange the steps of the scientific method from start to finish.
Develop problem-solving skills and conflict resolution.*
Students will be able to demonstrate class participation.*
Compare the positive and negative aspects of non-renewable and renewable energy resources.
Value exercise as a stress reduction tool.*
Identify and analyze ways in which our multicultural environment affects health care decisions.*
ASSESSING LEARNING OUTCOMESSpecific, measurable, student-friendly language
Vague, ambiguous, no condition
Vague, describes a task
Specific, measurable, student-friendly languageValue is a subjective emotional response and not an indicator of learningThe ability to identify is implied if learners can analyze
FINAL THOUGHTSTips and Contact Information
TIPS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
• Write learning outcomes in multiple drafts.• Get a second (or third) opinion.• Write outcomes with others.• When you are stuck, start with understand. (Wait, what?!)
Darcy Turner, Instructional DesignerSaint Paul [email protected](651) 403-4471