Writing and using learning outcomes: a practical guide

Given that one of the main features of the Bologna process is the need to improve the traditional ways of describing qualifications and qualification structures, all modules and programmes in third level institutions throughout the European Higher Education Area should be (re)written in terms of learning outcomes. Learning outcomes are used to express what learners are expected to achieve and how they are expected to demonstrate that achievement. This article presents a summary of developments in curriculum design in higher education in recent decades and, drawing on recent practical experience, suggests a user-friendly methodology for writing modules, courses and programmes in terms of learning outcomes. Content Page

[1]  D. Krathwohl A Revision of Bloom's Taxonomy: An Overview , 2002 .

[2]  Jennifer A. Moon,et al.  The Module and Programme Development Handbook , 2002 .

[3]  R M Harden,et al.  Learning outcomes and instructional objectives: is there a difference? , 2002, Medical teacher.

[4]  R M Harden,et al.  Developments in outcome-based education , 2002, Medical teacher.

[5]  Benjamin S. Bloom,et al.  A Taxonomy for Learning, Teaching, and Assessing: A Revision of Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives , 2000 .

[6]  Susan M Toohey,et al.  Designing Courses for Higher Education , 1999 .

[7]  P. Knight,et al.  Assessing learners in higher education , 1998 .

[8]  P. Ramsden Learning to Teach in Higher Education , 1991 .

[9]  T. Shuell Cognitive Conceptions of Learning , 1986 .

[10]  Anita J. Harrow A Taxonomy of the Psychomotor Domain: A Guide for Developing Behavioral Objectives , 1972 .

[11]  Jerry S. Wiggins Book Reviews : Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, The Classification of Educational Goals, Handbook II: Affective Domain by David R. Krathwohl, Benjamin S. Bloom, and Bertram B. Masia. New York: David McKay Company, 1964. Pp. vii + 196 , 1965 .

[12]  M. Polanyi Personal Knowledge: Towards a post-critical philosophy , 1959 .

[13]  Timothy L.J. Ferris,et al.  A PSYCHOMOTOR SKILLS EXTENSION TO BLOOM'S TAXONOMY OF EDUCATION OBJECTIVES FOR ENGINEERING EDUCATION , 2005 .

[14]  Roisin Donnelly,et al.  DESIGNING MODULES FOR LEARNING , 2005 .

[15]  Peter Baumgartner Abstract (2004): The Zen Art of Teaching – Communication and Interactions in eEducation , 2004 .

[16]  J. Biggs,et al.  Teaching For Quality Learning At University , 1999 .

[17]  Joanna Allan Learning outcomes in higher education , 1996 .

[18]  Ralph T. Putnam,et al.  Learning to teach. , 1996 .

[19]  Donald A. Schön Educating the Reflective Practitioner: Toward a New Design for Teaching and Learning in the Professions , 1987 .

[20]  D. Schoen The Reflective Practitioner , 1983 .

[21]  K. Popper,et al.  Objective Knowledge: An Evolutionary Approach. , 1975 .

[22]  E. Simpson THE CLASSIFICATION OF EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES, PSYCHOMOTOR DOMAIN. , 1966 .

[23]  S. Langer,et al.  Philosophie auf neuem Wege : das Symbol im Denken, im Ritus und in der Kunst , 1965 .

[24]  Robert Frank Mager,et al.  Preparing Instructional Objectives , 1962 .

[25]  B. Bloom Taxonomy of educational objectives , 1956 .