The educational theory that binds every part of education with a learning outcome or outcomes is referred to as outcome-based education. The specific knowledge and skills the student acquires after the completion of the course are stated under learning outcomes. He students also comprehend, how and why the skills will be helpful to them. So, it is all about acquisition of knowledge and application of the same and this process also takes into consideration a value system that would be useful for the society.
Learning outcomes are framed for assignments, lessons, courses and classes. the application of knowledge that the students acquire must help them navigate through various contexts and they also guide testing and evaluation.
Learning outcomes should be written in a practical way, with a focus on application of knowledge in a real-life context and not just emphasize on the learner’s capacity to recite without understanding the concept. Effective learning outcomes include action verbs and something the students will be able to do.
The learning outcomes can be divided thus:
Logical Skills
This includes comprehending the subject knowledge and concepts, rules and procedures. They involve the ‘how’ of the process.
Application through reasoning
This learning outcome focuses on cognitive approaches. The learners use their own thinking in organizing and learning.
Verbal rendering
The learners will be in a position to speak about or state what they have learnt and understood.
Motor skills
Motor skills define the coordination between the brain and the muscles. Fine motor skills may not even be observed when we perform them like walking, climbing up the stairs etc. the learners display them in their flexibility, proper use of time and so on.
Soft skills
Attitude plays an important role in how the learners conduct themselves. Time-management and team behavior are also part of this.
Learning outcomes and Learning objectives
A learning objective states the why the activity is being created by the teacher. A learning outcome states what the learner will be able to do after learning the lesson. The former is based on knowledge and the latter on application. For example if the learning objective states -Getting to know about the various methods of communication, the learning outcome shows how the learners can demonstrate the different methods of communication.
The Lesson- Non-verbal Communication while facing Interviews
The learning Objective– Illustration of the various methods of non-verbal communication and the dos and don’ts.
The learning Outcome- Learners will be able to demonstrate the different types of non-verbal communication. They will also be able to execute them successfully during a mock-interview conducted in the class.
Effective Learning Outcomes are written in the following way:
- Learners will be able to identify….
- Learners will be able to demonstrate….
- Learners will be able to perform….
- Learners will be able to write a report…
- Learners will be able to use….
- Learners will be able to apply….
Learning Outcomes should be …
- Clear
- Comprehensible
- Realizable
- Reasonable
- Four to six in number
- Action-oriented
- Assessable
With a proper understanding of the learning objectives and outcomes, a teacher will be able to chart his/her course in an impressive way and the students can be led to achieve success by reaping the results of a well-taught and well-studied course.
