Student learning outcomes (SLOs) are specific statements about the observable behaviors a program expects from its majors upon graduation. Student learning outcomes should represent those skills and abilities that are most important to a program and that are appropriate for the degree level. While the list of SLOs certainly could not include everything a student should learn from majoring in a program, the SLOs should give prospective students and potential employers of graduates a good sense of what students gain from completing the program.
At Appalachian, programs organize student learning outcomes around student learning goals. Each parent goal should have a reasonable number of SLOs associated with it. Again, three to six outcomes are typical for each goal.
Student learning outcomes should be writen with specific action verbs that identify how students will demonstrate learning and avoid vague terms (such as knowledge, ability, awareness, appreciation). The verb chosen for a student learning outcome is especially important since it implies how the program will measure whether or not students of the program are sucessfully achieving the outcome.
Click here for more detailed instructions on how to craft well written student learning outcomes or feel free to contact one of the assessment consultants in IRAP for assistance.
Click here to see the rubric that assessment committees use to assess the quality of an academic program's goals and student learning outcomes.