Crafting effective (Intended) Learning Outcomes at programme and module levels - online

28 May, 2pm-3.30pm

It is important that students understand what they can expect to achieve at various stages throughout their learning journey on a programme, rather than simply knowing what they will be taught. Hence, all UCL programmes and modules articulate a vision of what features of the discipline, or subject students will study, and what level of capabilities they should achieve by its completion

Learning outcomes encapsulate that vision at programme and module levels as a short list of clear statements focused on student activity. They should bring transparency and precision to the design of teaching and learning activities and assessment.

In this workshop we will explore:

• The purpose of learning outcomes.
• The difference between learning aims, objectives and outcomes.
• The relationship between programme and module learning outcomes.
• How to construct learning outcomes and make them SMART.
• The distinctive qualities and importance of programme learning outcomes.
• Why to choose active verbs and avoid passive terms.
• What to do about hard to assess ‘outcomes’?
• How to “reverse engineering” learning outcomes from assessment criteria.

Learning outcomes:

On the successful completion of this workshop, participants will be able to identify and draft effective (Intended) Learning Outcomes (LOs) and ensure their programme is constructively aligned. I.e., core module’s learning outcomes (MLOs) align with programme learning outcomes (PLOs), and assessment criteria. Which should also be underpinned by a constructivist approach to teaching.

Who should attend

Those who have little, or no experience in writing programme and/or module level learning outcomes but need to. Or who have written or are writing programme and/or module learning outcomes and want reassurance that they are functionally sound.