Learning Outcomes and the C&I Review Process

The review process of student learning outcomes was designed to help faculty members develop well written learning outcomes.

The review process includes:

1. Exit standards
2. Out of class assignments
3. Methods of Evaluation

This is not a method to dictate, but to ensure the outcomes are expressed as the knowledge, skills, or abilities that students will possess upon successful completion of a course.

Educational Outcomes:

• should be clearly stated, realistic and achievable.
• should meaningfully define the related goal, and, where possible, indicate desired level of attainment.
• should be assessable.

Why is the review process valuable?

• It can help connect the learning outcome to the course outline.
• Show and track change for divisions and college.
• Help faculty develop observable outcomes that can be assessed.

Strengthening Learning Outcomes

The process for strengthening and reviewing learning outcomes can be achieved by asking these three questions:

• Is the action done by the students?
• Is the specified action observable?
• Can the specified action be measured?

Example of Changing SLO

Original SLO: Upon successful completion of this program, students will be exposed to case studies documenting the use of ethical reasoning in daily decisions.

Evaluate this learning outcome by asking the questions found above.

1. “Is the action done by the students?” No, the action is not done by students, but by the faculty who present the case studies.
2. “Is the specified action observable?” Yes, the action is observable, as students could be observed as they are exposed to the case studies.
3. “Can the specified action be measured?” Yes, the action can be measured by counting the number of case studies presented to students.

Final revised SLO: Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to apply ethical reasoning in discussing an ethical issue.

Revising Learning Outcomes

The process of writing learning outcomes is not simple and could take several revisions to develop a strong outcome that reflects the intentions of the faculty.

Drafting strong outcomes will make it easier to:

• Develop measures
• Collect data
• Analyzing the results
• Make recommendations for improvement

It only takes one reading through C&I, if you would like help please contact Yvette Ybarra.

Learning Outcome Review Sheet

Learning Outcome Review Criteria

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