Writing Learning Outcomes and Course Descriptions

Writing Course Learning Outcomes

When you create or revise the course learning outcomes (CLOs) for a course, think about the 4-9 most important things that students should learn in the course. Focus on high-level, broad framing outcomes for CLOs instead of specific, discreet things that students will learn. The CLOs should be the big-picture knowledge and skills that students should have when they successfully complete a course.

CLOs are best understood if they are:

  • Clear
  • Observable (measurable)
  • Attainable
  • At course level

Exercise

Identify verbs that are observable/measurable.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

 

Action Verbs and CLOs

Action verbs are the most suitable type of verb to use when writing learning outcomes. Action verbs are observable and explain how the student will show their knowledge upon completion of the course.

In contrast, non-action verbs are not observable, making it difficult to accurately measure the student's new knowledge, skill, or ability.

Each CLO must only have one action verb. A statement with more than one verb is difficult to measure.

Examples

Action Verbs: Define, categorize, calculate, critique, interpret, create, summarize, hypothesize, defend. Non-Action Verbs: Understand, learn, appreciate, become familiar with, observe, read, consider, demonstrate, know.

Measurable Verbs and Bloom's Taxonomy 

Revised Bloom's Taxonomy

Revised Bloom's Taxonomy Pyramid. Creating, evaluating, analyzing, applying, understanding, remembering.

 

 

 

 

Revised Bloom's Taxonomy (2001) is a categorization of cognition levels based on Benjamin Bloom's initial Bloom's Taxonomy, published in 1956. The authors generated a list of action or measurable verbs associated with each level. Educators use these action verbs to write observable learning outcomes.

 

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

 

Course Descriptions

Writing Course Descriptions

Course descriptions explain what the course does and are printed in the course catalog. The general public reads them, including students, parents, other universities, businesses, and accrediting bodies.

 

Examples

Secondary Education Science

Examines objectives, instructional methods and curriculum for teaching science in the secondary school. Includes developing, adapting, evaluating, and using strategies and materials for teaching biological and physical sciences. Explores special needs of the learners and characteristics specific to the science discipline. 

Theater Fundraising for the Arts

Introduces the fundraising development process, cultivating donors, and raising money through donations, sponsorships, and grants to support nonprofit arts organizations. 

Public Speaking

Provides an introduction to basic concepts, theories, principles of oral communication as applied to a variety of speaking situations. Develops competence in oral communication through performance, the development of critical thinking skills, arrangement of ideas, and use of evidence and reasoning to support claims. Explains how culture influences what is considered effective public speaking.

 

Steps

Do:

  1. Begin each statement with a verb.
  2. Explain course content.
  3. Consider your audience.
  4. Include the following statement for repeatable courses: May be repeated for a maximum of _____ credits toward graduation.

Do not:

  1. Include, ‘This course’ in the sentence.
  2. Use ‘Students will…’
  3. Include items that may change (e.g. specific software programs or texts, or section specific information).
  4. Include, remove, or modify lab fees.*
  5. Include additional information at the beginning. If needed, add at the end of the description.

*Note: Fees will be placed in the catalog based on the determination of the fee committee.

For assistance in writing course outcomes, contact the Office of Teaching and Learning.  For all other questions, contact the Curriculum Office.