What is a "learning outcome"?

A learning outcome is fundamentally a specific statement that articulates what students will be able to accomplish as a direct result of instruction. This definition emphasizes the clarity and precision that learning outcomes provide, making it clear what skills, knowledge, or abilities students are expected to demonstrate upon completing a course or instructional module. Learning outcomes guide both the development of curriculum and the assessment of student learning, ensuring that instructional practices are aligned with tangible results that can be evaluated.

The definition's specificity is crucial for educators as it allows them to create measurable goals that can drive lesson planning and assessment. By having clearly defined outcomes, teachers can better support students in achieving those goals and can systematically determine if students have met the expectations set forth in the curriculum.

This focus on specific capabilities that students will gain through instruction is what distinguishes learning outcomes from other educational concepts, such as general expectations of behavior or overall goals for the academic year, which may lack the detail needed to direct teaching and assessment effectively.