Learning and Teaching Centre

Setting Learning Outcomes

Following the principle of constructive alignment (see curriculum design) we need to be able to describe learning outcomes that our students can achieve and that are capable of being assessed.  Learning outcomes are the specific intentions related to what students should know, understand or be able to do.  They are often described as discipline specific (related to the subject) or generic (related to certain skills such as presentation).

Outcomes should be explicit and intelligible to students and other users, expressed in such a form that permits their achievement to be demonstrated.  When related to a program of study, outcomes should ideally be developed with reference to relevant forms of external information such as benchmarks or other frameworks. 

Outcomes often use action verbs such as those described in Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives.  Broader statements related to the development of knowledge or understanding are better described as 'aims' or 'objectives'. Learning outcomes should be appropriate to the level of study the unit is pitched at.  There are no hard and fast rules about the numbers of outcomes to be described but it is worth remembering that any outcomes that are described have to be achieved.  This also helps to focus outcomes on understanding for learning rather than on content.

References and useful links:

AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework)  
External web site setting out the benchmarks for qualifications in Australian national education

Al Bakri, D. (2006) 'Learning outcomes approaches to curriculum design and review' Synergy Issue 23 online at Learning outcomes approaches (pdf file, 2 pages)

Bloom's Taxonomy
External web site setting out Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Outcomes Based Education Principles and Processes online at Principles and processes and References
Two external web site pages setting out principles for outcomes based learning and links to a range of resources to support the writing of learning outcomes

Jackson, N, Wisdom J and Shaw M, (2003) Using Learning Outcomes to Design a Course and Assess Learning The Generic Centre: Guide for Busy Academics. York: Higher Education Academy

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