A learning outcome often refers to what an academic program or institution will cover throughout a students’ learning experience.  A learning outcome is the broader goal built upon the more specific learning objectives.

Example:  Students will gain and apply career-focused domain knowledge and skills.

A learning objective, on the other hand, is more specific, measurable and observable.  Learning objectives are more student-centric and focus on how students will demonstrate their achievements.

Example:  Students will explain a case study using two different psychological perspectives.

The terminology used to describe student, program and institutional learning outcomes is often used interchangeably.  Whether your program uses objectives, outcomes, goals, or competencies, it is important to remember that the top of the hierarchy should represent the larger, broader goals of the institution, and as you descend through the tiers, the outcomes or objectives should become more specific, measurable, attainable, and concise.

Hierarchy of Outcomes

A hierarchy of learning outcomes is often used in higher education.  This framework is most effective when there is alignment between all tiers.

Institutional Learning Outcomes

Bay Path University is in the process of revising their Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO).  This section will be updated with the new ILOs once those are approved by administration.  The current Institutional Learning Outcomes were based on Bay Path’s Thumbprint aspirations.  Below are the current ILO’s:

Women Empowering:  Apply the principles of critical thinking to engage as agents of transformation in their own intellectual and professional development, and as members of their communities.

Student Learning Committed:  Understand that learning is a disposition that students build by demonstrating the ability to integrate and apply learning to meet 21st Century workplace needs and demands.

Relevant to the Changing Workplace:  Independently apply skills, theories, and learning to an evolving economy and career path.

Student Focused and Transformative:  Demonstrate independence and perspectives needed to develop the capacity to assume leadership roles in professional, family and community life.

Experiential & Hands-on:  Participate in hands-on experiential learning projects and/or academic research that foster self-discovery and an active contribution in the community.

Technologically Current & Modality Varies:  Effectively and responsibly use information by utilizing various modes of technology to support, foster, and connect learning across the entire educational experience.

Globally & Aesthetically Appreciative:  Act in a supportive manner that recognizes the value and complexity of a multi-cultural perspective through academic travel opportunities and a focus on affirming diversity within the Bay Path community.

Rigorous and Integrated:  Recognize the value of gained knowledge and skills to perform and achieve at a level commensurate with degree level and 21st Century workplace demands.

Interdisciplinary and Ethically Aware:  Demonstrate an ability to address real world problems from a variety of perspectives. Recognize ethical dimensions and implications for personal and professional decision making.

Worthwhile Investment:  Appreciate the value of the Bay Path experience by analyzing one’s own educational journey.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) define the knowledge, skills, and abilities students should acquire by the conclusion of their academic program.  Each academic program has its own set of PLO’s, and these outcomes have been previously determined by the respective Program Chair or Academic Program Director.  In keeping up with the goal of alignment, Program Learning Outcomes are aligned to Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO).  This helps to ensure that all graduates of Bay Path University are achieving the broader institutional goals.

As you develop your course, consider how the content fits into the Program Learning Outcomes.  How does this course serve as a building block to the broader program goals?

Course Learning Outcomes

Every course taught at Bay Path will have a set of Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs).  Course Learning Outcomes are specific statements identifying the knowledge, skills, and attitudes students will be able to demonstrate upon the completion of a course.

Weekly Learning Objectives

Weekly learning objectives, when written effectively, should describe what students will need to accomplish while remaining specific, measurable, and attainable.  The next section will provide a more detailed explanation on how to write an effective learning outcome.

Who defines the learning outcomes and objectives?

In your role as the Subject Matter Expert, you will be responsible for creating 3-5 weekly learning objectives for your course.  These weekly objectives should serve as building blocks for the broader course goals (course outcomes).  Once you have determined your weekly learning objectives, you can begin to identify the types of assessments and learning materials you will utilize to help students achieve those objectives.