Guide to Writing the Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

Course Goals: the general aims or purposes of the course. Effective goals are broadly stated, meaningful, achievable and assessable. Goals should provide a framework for determining the related learning outcomes of a course.

Example:
 Students will (or begin to--depends on level):

I. Understand and can apply fundamental concepts of the discipline
(which are part of the course)
II. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

III. Conduct sound research, demonstrating proficiency in information literacy.

IV. Address issues critically and reflectively.

V. Create solutions to problems.

VI. Work effectively in a team.

VII. Gain realistic ideas of how to implement their knowledge, skills and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings

Learning Outcomes:  the knowledge, skills, abilities, capacities, attitudes or dispositions you expect students to acquire in your course.  Learning outcomes articulate suggested strategies for how the goals can be demonstrated. Clearly state each outcome you are seeking:  What will the student be able to do?

Example:  
Goal IV. Address issues critically and reflectively.

Possible Learning Outcomes

    1.    Apply concepts and/or viewpoints to a new question or issue.
    2.    Describe ______________.
    3.    Classify________________.
    4.    Distinguish_____________.
    5.    Give examples of _______.
    6.    Interpret_______________.
    7.    Etc.

Goal VI.  Work effectively in a team.

Learning Outcomes

    1.    Demonstrate the ability to contribute, listen and cooperate with teammates
    2.    Define research needed for topic, aid in collection and share information
    3.    Identify and fulfill team role duties on time
    4.    Demonstrate that assigned work was shared equally