Writing Learning Outcomes
[You can also download this page as a Word doc for ease of printing]
Learning outcomes should be expressed through the use of active verbs which spell out what students will be able to do.
In order to achieve clarity, expressions such as 'to know', 'to understand', 'to appreciate', to be acquainted with', should be avoided, since they are too vague to convey the exact nature of the outcome being sought.
More active and explicit verbs such as 'state', 'show', 'explain', 'define', 'describe', 'predict', 'recognise' and 'criticise' should be used wherever possible.
The list below is a guide to words which can be used to express learning outcomes, grouped according to various generic level descriptors.
A. COGNITIVE AREAS
1. Activities which give evidence of knowing Define, describe, identify, label, list, name, outline, reproduce, recall, select, state, present, extract, organise, recount, write, measure, relate, match, record.
2. Activities giving evidence of comprehension Interpret, translate, estimate, justify, clarify, defend, distinguish, explain, generalise, exemplify, infer, predict, rewrite, summarise, discuss, perform, report, present, indicate, find, represent, formulate, contrast, classify, express, compare, recognise, account.
3. Activities giving evidence of application of knowledge/understanding Apply, solve, demonstrate, change, compute, manipulate, use, employ, modify, operate, predict, produce, relate, show, select, choose, assess, operate, illustrate, verify.
4. Activities giving evidence of analysis Recognise, distinguish between, evaluate, analyse, break down, differentiate, identify, illustrate how, infer, outline, point out, relate, select, separate, divide, compare, contrast, justify, resolve, examine, conclude, criticise, question, diagnose, categorise, elucidate.
5. Activities giving evidence of synthesis Arrange, assemble, organise, plan, prepare, design, formulate, construct, propose, present, explain, modify, reconstruct, relate, re-organise, revise, write, summarise, account for, report, alter, argue, order, select, manage, generalise, derive, synthesise, enlarge, suggest.
6. Activities giving evidence of creativity Originate, image, begin, design, invent, initiate, state, create, pattern, elaborate, develop, devise, generate, engender
7. Activities giving evidence of evaluation judge, evaluate, assess, discriminate, appraise, conclude, compare, contrast, criticise, justify, defend, rate, determine, choose, value, question, measure.
B. TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
1. Psycho-motor skills Perform, execute, operate, manipulate
2. Self Appraisal and Reflection on Practice Reflect, identify, recognise, evaluate, criticise, judge
3. Planning and Management of Learning Plan, prioritise, access, use, select, explore, identify, decide
4. Problem-solving Identify, choose, select, recognise, implement, define, apply, assess, resolve, propose, formulate, plan
5. Communication Presentation Communicate, express, articulate, question, examine, argue, debate, explain, formalise, respond, rebut, justify, defend, listen, illustrate, demonstrate, organise, pace, model, summarise
6. Interactive and group skills Accommodate, interact, collaborate, participate, co-operate, co-ordinate, structure, arbitrate, initiate, lead, direct, guide, support, decide, set goals, motivate, reflect, evaluate, recognise, enable, Learning Support Services, confirm, include
|
| ** |
|
|
