{"id":331,"date":"2017-04-07T10:07:07","date_gmt":"2017-04-07T09:07:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/adqe\/?p=331"},"modified":"2017-08-18T09:30:56","modified_gmt":"2017-08-18T08:30:56","slug":"learning-outcome-use","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/adqe\/331\/learning-outcome-use\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a learning outcome? And why do we use them?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As an ADQE Officer I support course validations, both internally and externally, and attend Curriculum Development Approval Sub-committee (CDASC). At these events a significant amount of time is spent ensuring the course and module learning outcomes are aligned to FHEQ qualification descriptors<\/a>\u00a0(2014). Typically, requests for amendments to the learning outcomes\u00a0are made and course teams update\u00a0learning outcomes accordingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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For some, learning outcomes are challenging, perplexing and difficult to understand…some even see learning outcomes as an administrative device. However, this is certainly not the case. Learning outcomes support and guide good learning and teaching. They clarify the course or module team\u2019s thinking about what they are aiming to achieve, outlining what is taught and how.<\/span><\/p>\n

So what is a learning outcome?\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The QAA UK Quality Code for HE Part A: Setting and Maintaining Academic Standards<\/a>\u00a0(2014) defines learning outcomes as a:<\/span><\/p>\n

‘Statement of what a learner is expected to know, understand and\/or be able to demonstrate after completion of a designated programme of study (which leads to a qualification).’<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In non-quality assurance terms, learning outcomes describe what a student should be able to do to successfully complete a course of study. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n

‘By the end of the course you should be able to… analyse risks to computers and computer systems, and recommend, develop, implement and review effectiveness of appropriate safeguards in a variety of contexts.’<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Module learning outcomes are more specific, offering a short guide for students on where the module will take them. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n

‘By the end of the module you should be able to… advise parties to a case involving the sale of land of their rights and obligations, and justify your advice by reference to relevant statutes and cases.’<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What is the purpose of learning outcomes?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Learning outcomes are incredibly important as they make it clear to both students and staff the expectations for the learner’s development and how the outcomes will be assessed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learning outcomes are also vital as they:<\/span><\/p>\n