Differentiate between objectives and learning outcomes with suitable examples.

Much confusion exists about the definition of objectives and learning outcomes. Part of the confusion results from the fact that the terms are often conflated, even in the literature.  Our accrediting agencies now require and SF State policy now requires that  faculty include learning outcomes on all course outlines and in their syllabi, so it’s  important to understand the differences in these terms.

Objective – A course objective describes what a faculty member will cover in a course.

They are generally less broad that goals and more broad than student learning outcomes.

Examples of objectives include:

• Students will gain an understanding of the historical origins of art history.

• Student will read and analyze seminal works in 20th Century American Literature.

• Students will study the major U.S. regulatory agencies.

Student Learning Outcome – A detailed description of what a student must be able to  do at the conclusion of a course.  When writing outcomes, it is helpful to use verbs that  are measurable or that describe an observable action.  Such verbs help faculty (and

students) avoid misinterpretation.  The best outcomes will include a description of the

conditions (“when given x, you will be able to…”) and the acceptable performance level

Examples of good student learning outcomes:

Government.  When given a major decision made by a government leader, you will be

able to identify the major factors that the leader had to consider and discuss why the

action was taken and what apparent trade-offs were made