Office of Academic Planning and Assessment

Student Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes are learner-focused statements reflecting what a student will be able to do as a result of an instructional activity. Each outcome statement should start with a measurable action verb that indicates the level of learning, followed by a precise description of the learned behavior, knowledge, or attitude. Bloom's Taxonomy is a useful tool for choosing action verbs that accurately describe a desired level of student learning. It is often helpful to start with this phrase: After completion of this <<course/program>>, a student will be able to...

For example,

After completion of a Learning Outcome workshop, an OSU faculty member will be able to:

• Identify an appropriate action verb from Bloom's Taxonomy that describes a particular level of learning.
• Describe the desired behavior a student will be able to exhibit upon successful completion of a course.
• Assess students' performance for evidence of desired learning."
  

All degree and certificate programs should publish student learning outcomes on their website or other program material.