Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes are statements that specify what students will know, be able to do or be able to demonstrate when they have completed or participated in a Course or Program. SLO's specify an action by the student that must be observable, measurable and able to be demonstrated.

Grades are objectives.     SLO's are measurable and observable outcomes 

 

Objectives - Grades 

Outcomes - SLO's 

Objectives are intended results  or consequences of instruction, curricula, programs or activities.  

Outcomes are achieved results of what was learned - the evidence that learning took place.

Objectives are focused on performances that all students  are expected to demonstrate at the end of instruction, for example the normal distribution of grades.

Outcomes are single student-centered and describe what it is that the student should learn. SLOs are not grades, but observable skills. 

Objectives define the key elements that must be taught every time the course is delivered.

Outcomes are measurable statements that specify what learners will know or be able to do as a result of successfully completing a course.

Because calculation of a course grade often involves a combination of sources  such as class participation and other objectives, the single course grade does not directly represent the student’s achievement of a specific learning outcome or skill. 

Instead of how many students received A’s or D’s in the course, the SLO’s are geared to describe a specific skill that is acquired which is central to the course.