{"id":24131,"date":"2026-06-02T14:29:30","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T18:29:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/atl\/?page_id=24131"},"modified":"2026-09-02T12:11:13","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T16:11:13","slug":"how-to-write-learning-outcomes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/atl\/how-to-write-learning-outcomes\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write Learning Outcomes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A learning outcome<\/strong> is a clear statement of what students should know, be able to do and demonstrate<\/strong> by the time they complete their program. Good outcomes are the foundation of meaningful assessment \u2014 they tell you what to measure and why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get started<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Ask the right question<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Start by asking: “What are the most important things a student should know or be able to do after completing this program?<\/em>” Work through this with a small group of faculty to surface different perspectives and challenge assumptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Draft 3\u20137 outcome statements <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Identify the core domains your program covers. Write each as a statement that begins with an action verb and describes observable, measurable behavior \u2014 not attitudes or general goals. Use Bloom’s Taxonomy<\/strong> <\/a>for a list of action verbs: analyze, evaluate, demonstrate, apply, design, compare, create<\/em> \u2014 rather than vague verbs like understand<\/em> or appreciate<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Test each outcome against 3 questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before finalizing, ask these about each outcome:<\/p>\n\n\n\n