Matching Learning Outcomes to Assessments

Learning outcomes describe the measurable skills, abilities, knowledge and values that students should be able to demonstrate as a result of taking a class. Often our courses are designed in ways that make it difficult, if not impossible, to allow students to physically demonstrate mastery of their skills and abilities. Instructors as often have to rely on exams to assess knowledge a student has gained and to demonstrate their mastery of a subject. Writing effective learning outcomes and connecting our learning outcomes to specific assessment questions allow instructors to track a student’s mastery. Also, designing an assessment with multiple types of questions allows students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in different ways