How to Write Learning Outcomes
What is a learning outcome?
A learning outcome is a statement of what conference attendees will learn and/or
experience when attending your conference session. Learning outcomes state the
knowledge, skills, and/or perspectives conference attendees will gain from attending
your session.
Learning outcomes are comprised of:
1. An action word (i.e. apply, produce, design etc.).
2. A learning statement
3. Criteria of what the attendee should learn
How to write learning outcomes:
1. Think About:
-
What are you hoping that conference attendees will learn in your
presentation?
-
How will the learning from your presentation be demonstrated?
2. Begin with a stem. For example, “by attending this session, participants will be
able to...”
3. Selection an action verb that can be observed and/or measured. Examples of
action verbs are identify, conduct, schedule, analyze etc. Avoid action verbs that
describe hidden or passive actions such as appreciate or know.
4. Add a learning statement; this is the “what” of the learning outcome. What will
the participant learn in your presentation?
5. Specify a criterion that governs the “what” of the learning statement.
Learning Outcome Example:
By participating in this session, Residence Life staff will develop an appropriate
approach to building online relationships with residence students.
Check list for writing learning outcomes:
 Focus on outcomes, not processes of learning.
 Start each outcome with an action verb & use only one action verb per learning
outcome.
 Avoid vague verbs such as know and understand.
 Check that the verbs used reflect the level of learning required.
 Ensure that outcomes are observable and measurable.
 Write the outcomes in terms of what the learner does, not what the facilitator
does.
 Check that the outcomes reflect knowledge, skills, or attitudes participants will
gain by attending the conference session.
 Check that there are an appropriate number of outcomes (no more than five).
Sources:
British Columbia Institute of Technology. (2015). Writing Learning Outcomes. Retrieved from
https://ltc.uvic.ca/initiatives/documents/BCITWritingLearningOutcomes.pdf
Carelton University. (2015). Writing Effective Learning Outcomes in 4 Easy Steps. Retrieved
from
http://carleton.ca/viceprovost/assessment-of-learning/what-are-learningoutcomes/writing-learning-outcomes/
Humber College. (2015). Course Development Tools Designing Learning – Writing Learning
Outcomes. Retrieved from http://www.humber.ca/centreforteachingandlearning/
instructional -strategies/teaching-methods/course-development-tools/writing-learningoutcomes.html