Whether you are an educator, a trainer, or a student, understanding learning outcomes is important for successful learning experiences.
In this blog post, we will look at various types of learning outcomes, from knowledge-based to skill-based. We will provide clear examples to illustrate each type, helping you grasp the concept effectively.
After reading this post, you will know how to define clear, practical learning outcomes. Also, you will know how to write them to improve instruction and training inside your organization.
So, let’s begin!
What are Learning Outcomes & Why Are They Important?
Learning outcomes describe the specific knowledge, abilities, or expertise that a learner will gain through a learning activity such as a training session, course, or program.
Learning outcomes are measurable results that the learner understands after learning. It assists learners in understanding the importance of the material and what they will get from their participation in the learning activity.
Learning outcomes are an important part of training programs as they provide a roadmap for both educators and learners. They help trainers design effective lesson plans, ensuring that the content aligns with the desired outcomes. For learners, these outcomes serve as a target to work towards, thereby, enhancing motivation and engagement.
In assessment and evaluation, learning outcomes play a pivotal role. They provide a basis for measuring learners’ progress and determining the training program’s success.
Well-written learning outcomes are focused and measurable. They are clear about the objectives for students and avoid using confusing terms. For example, instead of saying, “Understand the importance of teamwork,” a well-written outcome would be, “Identify three key benefits of effective teamwork in the workplace.”
Learning outcomes are crucial tools in education and training. They define the expected achievements of learners. They guide both educators and learners throughout the learning process. By providing a clear direction, they facilitate effective assessment and evaluation.
Types of Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes can be categorized into various types based on the specific areas of learning they address. Here are some common types of learning outcomes:
Intellectual Skills
Students will understand concepts, laws and regulations, or practices with this learning objective. In simple words, this is knowing how to perform a task. Intellectual skills are essential for learners to process information, make connections, and apply their knowledge effectively in various situations.
Cognitive Strategies
Cognitive strategies learning outcomes revolve around teaching learners how to approach learning tasks effectively. These strategies include techniques like note-taking, summarizing, and time management. By mastering cognitive strategies, learners can enhance their learning efficiency and retain information more easily.
Verbal Information
Verbal information learning outcomes are about learning and understanding things we read or hear. It’s about knowing facts, ideas, and theories from books, lessons, or talks.
These outcomes involve learners’ ability to comprehend and recall information accurately. They are common in academic subjects such as history, literature, science, and language arts.
Motor Skills
Motor skills learning outcomes focus on the development of physical abilities and coordination. These outcomes are relevant in practical fields like sports, arts, vocational training, and activities that require precise physical movements. Mastering motor skills allows learners to perform tasks with precision.
Attitude
Attitude-based learning outcomes address the affective domain of learning, involving changes in learners’ attitudes, beliefs, and values. These outcomes promote positive attitudes towards learning, teamwork, diversity, or ethical behavior. They play a significant role in shaping learners’ overall personal and social development.
By integrating these many forms of learning outcomes into educational and training programs, educators can provide learners with a well-rounded learning experience.
Learning Outcomes vs. Learning Objectives
Learning outcomes and learning objectives are both important aspects of the learning process. Let’s explore these differences in simple terms:
1.The Perspective of the Teacher vs. Student
A learning outcome focuses on what the student can achieve or demonstrate at the end of the learning experience. A learning objective emphasizes what the teacher aims to teach or what the instructional activities will focus on.
Example of Learning Outcome (Student Perspective):
By the end of the course, the student will be able to converse fluently in basic Spanish and handle everyday conversations with native speakers.
Example for Learning Objective (Teacher Perspective):
The teacher will introduce key Spanish vocabulary related to daily routines and provide opportunities for students to practice using the vocabulary in simple sentences.
2.Purpose vs. Outcome
The purpose refers to the broader goal or reason for the educational experience, while the outcome is the specific result or achievement that arises from that purpose.
Example for Purpose:
The workshop aims to enhance participants’ leadership skills and foster a collaborative team environment.
Example of Outcome:
As a result of the workshop, participants will be able to identify effective leadership styles and implement strategies for team building.
3.Future vs. Past
The future aspect relates to what learners are expected to achieve or demonstrate after completing the learning experience, while the past aspect reflects what learners have already achieved or demonstrated.
Example for Future (Learning Outcome):
By the end of the training program, the participants will be able to design and develop a fully functional website.
Example for Past (Achieved Outcome):
After completing the web development course, the participants designed and developed their websites for their final projects.
4.Intended Outcome vs. Observed Outcome
The intended outcome refers to what was planned or expected to be achieved, while the observed outcome is what was accomplished or demonstrated by the learners.
Example of Intended Outcome:
The intended outcome of the science experiment was for students to understand the concept of gravity through hands-on activities and observations.
Example of Observed Outcome:
The observed outcome showed that most students understood the concept of gravity and applied it to explain other natural phenomena.
5.Specific Units of Knowledge vs. Broad Outcome:
Specific knowledge units are discrete information or skills, while a broad outcome encompasses a more comprehensive achievement or skillset.
Example for Specific Units of Knowledge:
In the history lesson, the students will learn the names of the 13 original colonies of the United States.
Example for Broad Outcome:
After the history unit on the American Revolution, the students will be able to analyze the causes, events, and consequences of the revolution and its impact on American society.
Examples of Learning Objectives and Learning Outcomes
Learning Objective Example:
In a math class, the learning objective could be: “Students will be able to solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula.”
Learning Outcome Example:
The learning outcome for the same math class could be: “By the end of the unit, students will be able to solve equations accurately using the quadratic formula.”
Examples of Different Activities:
- Science Class:
Learning Objective:
“Students will be able to describe the water cycle and its different stages.”
Learning Outcome:
“After the lesson, students will understand the water cycle, describe each stage, and recognize its significance in maintaining Earth’s ecosystems.”
- Language Arts Class:
Learning Objective:
“Students will be able to demonstrate the main theme and supporting details in a story.”
Learning Outcome:
“By the end of the unit, students will analyze various texts, identify themes, and explain how supporting details contribute to the overall message.”
- Physical Education Class:
Learning Objective:
“Students will be capable of explaining proper tennis serving techniques.”
Learning Outcome:
“After practicing serving drills, students will consistently execute accurate and powerful serves during tennis matches.”
Learning objectives and learning outcomes are closely connected. But they serve different purposes in the learning process. Learning objectives focus on the instructional aspect of teaching. It outlines specific targets that teachers want students to achieve. They indicate what will be taught, the content covered, and the skills practiced during the lesson.
Learning outcomes are about the desired result for the students. They describe what learners can do or understand after completing the learning experience. Learning outcomes are student-centered. It emphasizes the impact of the teaching and learning process on the student’s knowledge.
Moreover, learning objectives and learning outcomes work together to create a successful learning experience. Learning objectives lay the groundwork for teaching, and learning outcomes assess the student’s achievements. When well-defined and aligned, they lead to effective learning and meaningful progress for students in their educational journey.
How to Write Learning Outcomes?
Writing effective learning outcomes is essential to ensure clarity and successful student learning experiences. Here are some key considerations for making well-defined learning outcomes:
1.Importance of Action Verbs in Learning Outcomes
Start learning outcomes with strong action verbs that clearly state the desired action or behavior expected from the students. Action verbs make learning outcomes more specific, observable, and measurable. Examples of effective action verbs include “identify,” “analyze,” “create,” “demonstrate,” “solve,” “evaluate,” and “apply.”
For instance:
- Weak: “Understand the concept of photosynthesis.”
- Strong: “Explain the process of photosynthesis and its role in plant growth.”
2.The Clarity in Writing Learning Outcomes
Keep learning outcomes concise and straightforward. Use clear language to avoid confusion. A well-written learning outcome should leave no room for interpretation. It makes it easy for educators and students to understand the intended goal.
For instance:
- Unclear: Students will appreciate the value of teamwork.
- Clear: Students will collaborate effectively in a team, and participate in achieving common goals.
3.Indicating the Expected Level of Learning
Learning outcomes indicate the depth of understanding that students are expected to attain. Bloom’s Taxonomy is a helpful framework for categorizing learning outcomes based on cognitive levels. It ranges from lower-order thinking skills like remembering and understanding to higher-order skills like analyzing, evaluating, and creating.
For instance:
- Lower Level: Recall the key events of World War II.
- Higher Level: Evaluate the impact of World War II on global politics and economies.
4.Importance of Measurability in Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes should be measurable, allowing educators to assess whether students have achieved the desired outcome. Measurable learning outcomes are specific enough to be observed and evaluated through assessments or other forms of evidence.
For instance:
- Non-Measurable: Appreciate the importance of cultural diversity.
- Measurable: Demonstrate cultural sensitivity by interacting respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
5.Ideal Number of Learning Outcomes
While there is no rigid rule for the number of learning outcomes, striking a balance is essential. Too few outcomes may not adequately cover the breadth of learning. At the same time, too many can be overwhelming for students and challenging to assess effectively. Aim for around 3 to 5 well-defined learning outcomes per lesson or unit as a general guideline.
Remember that learning outcomes are an integral part of the instructional design process. They serve as a roadmap for educators. It helps them plan the content, activities, and assessments coherently and meaningfully.
Therefore, writing effective learning outcomes requires careful consideration of action verbs, clarity, cognitive levels, measurability, and the ideal number of outcomes.
Know the Power of Well-Written Learning Outcomes
Well-written learning outcomes play a vital role in education and training. They provide clear directions for teachers and students, effectively guiding the learning process. By using strong action verbs, being clear and specific, and indicating the expected level of learning, learning outcomes become measurable and achievable.
Students stay focused and motivated when they understand what they are expected to achieve. It leads to improved learning results. With well-crafted learning outcomes, educators can design effective lessons. Also, students can confidently progress toward their educational goals, promoting successful learning experiences for all.
