1 Outcomes-based Curricula: a general overview Dr Ciara O’Farrell

2 AGENDA  Nature of Learning Outcomes  Issues and benefits  Aligning and mapping learning outcomes  Writing programme and module outcomes

3 Bologna Agreement  LO approach: Curriculum design on integration of knowledge, value, skills  Forms critical part of Bologna educational reform  Aim: To improve effectiveness/efficiency of higher Education in Europe (local/international level)  Programmes and Modules must be written in terms of Learning Outcomes

4 Learning Outcomes  Statements of what a student is expected to know, understand and/or be able to demonstrate after completion of a process of learning (ECTS Users/ Guide, 2005)  Measure output: competency-based

5 Learning Outcomes: issues and concerns Conceptual/philosophical  Prosaic/restrictive/prescriptive  Academic versus vocational Practical/technical  Large undertaking; T&L;  Threshold statements  Writing challenges Adam 2004

6 Learning Outcomes: Benefits Benefits for:  Learner  Programme/module designer  QA: National/international educational transparency/comparability of standards  Employers

7 Learning Outcomes  Statements of what a student is expected to know, understand and/or be able to demonstrate after completion of a process of learning (ECTS Users/ Guide, 2005)

Sussex university Aims, Objectives, or Learning Outcomes? Aims: Aims: Broad goals Objectives:  Measurable intentions  Specific steps that take us towards those goals  Teacher-focused Learning Outcomes:  Measurable achievements  Result from a learning process  Stated as achievements of the student

9 Aim vs Learning outcome Aim  In this module students will be introduced to the subject of the core ethical principles in social work Learning Outcome  By the end of this module the learner will be able to critically apply the core ethical principles in social work in different case settings.

10 Map to:  TCD Institutional Level Descriptors  NQAI framework of qualifications  Subject benchmarks and/or professional body requirements (where necessary)

11 10-level framework

12 Taxonomies

13 Covert vs Overt Outcomes  Know  Reflect  Think critically  Understand  Appreciate  Summarize  Share reflections  Interpret, analyze, evaluate, construct arguments  Apply  Discuss

14 Linking to assessment  Return to LOs to design good assessment  Assessments measure how successfully students have attained LOs  “Present the findings of their experimental work through an oral presentation”  “Critically evaluate research literature”

15 programme outcomes professional body requirements College award descriptors, Local –Global Use of Outcomes NQAI national award descriptors Bologna process of the European Higher Education Area constructive alignment of learning outcomes teaching strategies assessment evaluation

16 Writing Programme/Module Outcomes On successful completion of this programme, students should/will be able to: On successful completion of this module/course, students should/will be able to:

17 Programme outcomes Articulate:  Knowledge and understanding needed  Intellectual skills required to make use of knowledge and understanding  Specify practical skills (competencies. eg lab skills)  Generic/transferable skills (communication, problem solving etc)

18 Categories of Outcomes  Subject specific outcomes – relate to subject discipline and knowledge/skills particular to it  Generic/transferable skills/competencies – relate to any/all disciplines (teamwork, problem-solving etc)

19 Sample Graduate attributes/competencies Sample Competency  Problem solving  Teamwork  Research skills  Writing/literacy skills  Interpersonal skills  Communication skills  Ethical behaviour Sample Grad. Attribute  “The ability to employ techniques of analysis and enquiry”  “The ability to employ originality and creativity in formulating and applying evidence-based arguments”

20 Sample programme outcome On successful completion of this programme, students will be able to:  give an oral presentation in a team to a specialist audience, critically evaluating both the team’s performance and your own contribution to the team.

21 Sample module learning outcome On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:  identify effective online marketing strategies and incorporate them into a marketing plan

22 Write your own programme/module learning outcome 1.Write your outcome beginning with: “At the end of this programme/module, students will be able to….” 2.Share your outcome with a partner, using the following checklist to evaluate it:

23 Checklist Does the outcome:  assess what is important?  clearly describe what the student is asked to do, using action verbs?  ask the students to apply what they have learned by producing something?  include a timeframe?  Is it specific and measurable?