Student learning outcomes (SLOs) for courses and degree programs are developed by faculty. They are action-based statements that describe what a student should be able to as a result of a course or program. SLOs should be specific, observable, and measurable.
Effective student learning outcomes should:
- Describe what a student can do as a result of a course or program.
- Be concise and specific. Learning outcomes that are overly complex or include multiple outcomes may be difficult to measure and assess.
- Follow the Bloom’s Taxonomy hierarchy and include action verbs specific to the level of proficiency expected of students.
- Avoid using verbs that are not observable such as “appreciate” or “understand.”
- Be regularly assessed and revised to ensure they are relevant, specific, and representative of the intended skills and knowledge students are expected to develop.