Objectives vs. Outcomes

Course objectives vs. student learning outcomes


Objectives

* Objectives represent valuable skills, tools, or content that enable a student to engage a particular subject.

* What are the goals and intentions of the faculty who teaches the course

* Objectives focus on content and skills important within the classroom or program: what the staff and faculty will do. Often termed the input in the course. Purpose and goals of the course.

* Objectives can often be numerous, specific, and detailed. Assessing and reporting on each objective for each student may be impossible.


Outcomes

* Student Learning Outcomes represent overarching products of the course. Measurable results of student learning.

* Outcomes express higher level thinking skills that integrate the content and activities and can be observed as a behavior, skill, or discrete useable knowledge upon completing the class. What exactly the assessment measures show that the student is able to do upon completing the course.

* An assessable outcome is an end product that can be displayed or observed and evaluated against criteria.

* The outcomes are clear and measurable criteria for guiding the teaching, learning, and assessment process in the course