Skip to main content
Scenes from the University of Rhode Island

How do I write a better student learning outcome?

  • Shortcomings can typically be seen by asking two simple questions:
    • Can it be measured?
    • Is learning being demonstrated?

  • Take a look at the following examples:
    • Participants will understand the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
      • Learning is demonstrated, but this SLO will be difficult to measure.
    • Students will arrive on time daily.
      • This can be easily measured, but learning is not necessarily being demonstrated.

  • We see readily that these learning outcomes have shortcomings.

  • We can rewrite these to make the learning outcomes measurable and demonstrative of learning:
    • Participants will demonstrate the ability to recognize and discuss the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
    • Students will apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.

  • Both of these SLO's answer the two questions. They are measurable and demonstrate that the student has learned!