LEARNING OUTCOMES: THEIR CREATION AND USE. Victoria L. VanZandt and Lori Shaw. University of Dayton School of Law. Step
LEARNING OUTCOMES: THEIR CREATION AND USE Victoria L. VanZandt and Lori Shaw University of Dayton School of Law
OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT: LEARN MORE ABOUT IT The worksheets that follow provide a brief introduction to the use of learning outcomes. To learn more about this topic, read Lori E. Shaw & Victoria L. VanZandt, Student Learning Outcomes and Law School Assessment (Carolina Academic Press 2015).
Step One: Identifying Possible Outcomes Think about what you want your students to know, do, and/or value. As you develop your list, consider the following:
Individual Learning Outcome & Performance Criterion Checklist Is the outcome/criterion essential? Is it a skill, a value, or knowledge that every student must possess as opposed to something aspirational? Is the outcome/criterion achievable? Can the relevant knowledge/skill/value be acquired in the period of time a student is in your class? Is the outcome/criterion observable/measurable? Are you measuring this skill/knowledge/value in your exam or assignments? List 3 to 5 items here. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Step Two: Framing Your Outcomes Think about how you can clearly articulate your desired outcome to your students. The following templates walk you through this task.
Sample Learning Outcome:
Student Centered: Students
"Students will accurately diagram a criminal statute, identifying the elements of the crime."
Observable Action Required: will accurately diagram Learning Statement: a criminal statute, identifying the elements of the crime.
Learning Statements and Knowledge Sample Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the American legal system. Who?
Students
Will engage in what behavior? Evidencing what?
will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the American legal system
Possible Action Verbs (Behaviors) Relating to Knowledge Knowledge
Comprehension Application
Analysis
Synthesis
Evaluation
Articulate Define Identify Label List Match Name State
Compare Contrast Classify Discuss Explain Give examples Interpret Summarize
Apply Employ Engage Extend Illustrate Relate Solve Use
Template Who? Will engage in what behavior? Evidencing what?
Students
Learning Statements and Skills Sample Learning Outcome: Students will negotiate resolutions to disputes effectively and efficiently. Who? Will engage in what behavior? How (i.e., in what manner)?
Students will negotiate resolutions to disputes effectively and efficiently
Possible Action Verbs (Behaviors) Relating to Skills Communication, Interaction & Group Skills Advise
Connect
Express
Observe
Answer
Counsel
Facilitate
Persuade
Arbitrate
Draft
Inform
Read
Argue
Defend
Interact
Rebut
Articulate
Educate
Lead
Respond
Collaborate
Empathize
Mediate
Speak
Communicate
Explain
Negotiate
Write
Template Who? Will engage in what behavior? How (i.e., in what manner?)
Students
Learning Statements and Values Sample Learning Outcome: Students will contribute to the profession's fulfillment of its responsibility to ensure that adequate legal services are provided to those who cannot afford to pay for them. Who? Will engage in what behavior? Evidencing what?
Students will contribute to the profession's responsibility to ensure that adequate legal services are provided to those who cannot afford to pay for them
Possible Action Verbs (Behaviors) Relating to Attitudes/Values Attitudes and Values Act Adhere Choose Comply
Contribute Display Exemplify Exhibit
Follow Participate Perform Practice
Template Who? Will engage in what behavior? Evidencing what? List your final outcomes here. 1.
