Designing learning outcomes

Learning Outcomes are goals that describe what learners are supposed to know or be able to do. Learning Outcomes on their own can be quite broad.

Learning outcome examples

• "the learner will develop a general understanding of quantum mechanics"
• "the learner will become familiar with Occupational Health and Safety in the Workplace"

A Guide to Designing Learning Outcomes
Download this comprehensive guide to designing learning outcomes

Learning objectives

Learning Objectives represent small steps in arriving at the Learning Outcomes. Because of the broad nature of Learning Outcomes, it is important to break them up into more specific Learning Objectives that guide the students' path to understanding.

Learning Objective examples

• "the learner will able to demonstrate an understanding of electromagnetic waves using light as an example"
• "the learner will be able to demonstrate how to work safely with the lathe in the workshop"

Supporting student achievement

When developing Learning Outcomes it is important to be able to demonstrate how teaching, learning and assessment will be undertaken to adequately support students achievement.

Support and resources

You will find strategies and resources that assist in the development of Learning Outcomes on this website. The Curriculum Innovation Unit (CIU) is also able to offer support to staff across Vocational, Further and Higher Education to design Learning Outcomes.

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