Creating Learning Outcomes
Clear learning outcomes provide a roadmap for content developers and help the learner set expectations for their educational journey.
What It Looks Like
Learning outcomes are clear, concise statements of what the learner should know or be able to do after taking a course.
Learning outcomes
- focus on learner knowledge and performance;
- describe what the learner will take away in measurable and/or observable terms;
- form the basis for learning assessments; and
- relate course content to the science and practice of audiology, speech-language pathology, or speech, language, and hearing sciences.
To write strong learning outcomes, avoid using vague words or phrases that are difficult to measure or observe—such as understand, know, become aware of, or become familiar with. Instead, choose action verbs—such as perform, identify, describe, explain, or demonstrate. For suggested verbs and activities, see the Learning Outcomes Guidelines.
Learning outcomes may be thought of like treatment plan goals, defining what learners should achieve by a specific time (e.g., during or after a course). They may include performance targets, like scoring 80% on a test or demonstrating a skill independently or the targets may be reflected in the learning assessment.
For courses with multiple sessions or parts (e.g., conventions, conferences, journal self-studies), a Provider may consider
- connecting each session/part to one of the overall learning outcomes or
- writing specific learning outcomes for each individual session/part.
When It Happens
Learning outcomes form the basis for the course’s content, design, and assessment. Providers should use needs assessment data to inform learning outcomes and develop those learning outcomes early in the course planning process.
Learning outcomes also tell the learner what to expect from the course and help them decide if the course is appropriate for their level of knowledge and skills. Therefore, the Provider must share the learning outcomes with learners prior to the course—ideally, in promotional or registration materials.
How It Supports Compliance
Standard 5.2.1 includes learning outcomes as part of the course design and requires the inclusion of “learning outcomes that describe anticipated changes in knowledge, competencies, and performance” for each course. Per the policies, the Provider should state these outcomes in measurable and/or observable terms and share them with learners prior to the course.
Why It Matters
Learning outcomes are the foundation of quality continuing education courses and are important to both the continuing education team and learners. Learning outcomes assist content developers and Providers by
- letting them know what they are trying to achieve with the course and
- guiding course and learner assessment to determine if the course
- has achieved those goals and
- has met learners’ needs.
Clearly stated learning outcomes allow learners to
- determine if a course is appropriate for them and
- set expectations for the knowledge and/or skills that they will take away from the course.
Bottom Line
Continuing education courses are designed to influence learner knowledge, skills, and competencies.
Learning outcomes
- guide content development,
- set learner expectations, and
- allow both Providers and learners to measure the course’s impact.
