Writing Measurable Outcomes

In contrast to Goals, that are general, broad, often abstract statements of desired results, Outcomes are specific and measurable and must reflect the curriculum. They express a benefit or "value added" that a student can demonstrate upon completion of an academic program or course. An outcome contains all three of the following elements:

measurable

  • what is to be learned (knowledge, skill, attitude),
  • what level of learning is to be achieved (criteria, standard), and
  • under what conditions the learning is to be demonstrated (environment, support, etc.).

Source/Reference: These steps were derived from information collected at various conferences by Dr. Cia Verschelden. She tailored the information to fit the approach that was implemented at Kansas State University in the fall of 2002.