Educ 61 - Assessment of students Learning

Glossary of Terms on Outcomes-Based Education:

1. Outcomes-Based Education (OBE): A student-centered educational approach that focuses

on defining desired learning outcomes and designing instruction and assessment to achieve
those outcomes.

2. Learning Outcomes: Statements that describe what students are expected to know,
understand, and be able to do as a result of their educational experiences. They define the
skills, knowledge, and competencies that students should acquire.

3. Competencies: Observable abilities, skills, or knowledge that students gain through their
educational experiences. Competencies are often specific and measurable and can be used
to assess students' mastery of learning outcomes.

4. Bloom's Taxonomy: A hierarchical framework that categorizes learning objectives into six
levels, ranging from lower-order thinking skills (remembering and understanding) to higher-
order thinking skills (applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating). Bloom's Taxonomy is
often used to design learning outcomes to ensure a balance between lower and higher-order
thinking.

5. Curriculum Mapping: The process of aligning learning outcomes, instructional activities,

and assessments to ensure coherence and alignment within a curriculum. It involves
identifying where and how specific learning outcomes will be addressed throughout the
curriculum.

6. Rubric: A scoring guide that outlines the criteria for evaluating student performance or
work. Rubrics provide clear descriptions of expected levels of achievement for different
aspects of an assignment or assessment task.

7. Authentic Assessment: Assessment tasks or activities that mirror real-world situations and
require students to apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful and realistic contexts.
Authentic assessments often involve open-ended tasks, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

8. Formative Assessment: Assessment conducted during the learning process to provide

feedback and guide instruction. It helps identify students' strengths and weaknesses and
informs instructional decisions.

9. Summative Assessment: Assessment conducted at the end of a learning unit or course to

determine students' overall achievement or mastery of learning outcomes. Summative
assessments are often used for grading or reporting purposes.

10. Alignment: The process of ensuring that learning outcomes, instructional strategies, and
assessments are interconnected and support each other. Alignment ensures that what is
taught, how it is taught, and how it is assessed are consistent and aligned with the desired
outcomes.

Example of Outcomes-Based Education:

Let's consider an example in the context of a high school science course, specifically a unit
on photosynthesis. Here are some learning outcomes and how they can be implemented:

Learning Outcome 1: Students will be able to explain the process of photosynthesis and its
importance in the production of food.

Instruction: The teacher delivers a lesson on the process of photosynthesis, providing

explanations, diagrams, and examples. They engage students in discussions and activities
to deepen their understanding.

Assessment: Students are given a written assignment where they have to explain the
process of photosynthesis step-by-step, using appropriate scientific terminology. They can
also be assessed through a group presentation where they explain the importance of
photosynthesis in the context of food production.

Learning Outcome 2: Students will be able to design and conduct an experiment to

investigate the factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis.

Instruction: The teacher guides students through the scientific method and experimental
design. They provide examples and demonstrations and facilitate class discussions on
variables, controls, and data collection.

Assessment: Students design and conduct an experiment to investigate the factors

affecting the rate of photosynthesis. They collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, and
present their findings in a scientific report or presentation.

The outcomes of education refer to the expected results or goals that are achieved through
the process of education. These outcomes can vary depending on the level of education
(e.g., primary, secondary, tertiary) and the specific objectives of the educational institution or
system. Here are some common outcomes of education along with examples:

What is Outcomes Education?

1. Knowledge and Understanding: Education aims to impart knowledge and promote

understanding of various subjects, concepts, and disciplines. For example, a student
learning about history may gain knowledge of significant historical events, timelines, and key
figures.
2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Education encourages the development of critical
thinking skills, enabling individuals to analyze information, reason logically, and solve
complex problems. For instance, a student might learn how to apply mathematical
principles to solve real-world problems.

3. Communication and Collaboration: Education fosters effective communication skills and

the ability to collaborate with others. This can be demonstrated through activities such as
class discussions, group projects, or presentations.

4. Personal and Social Development: Education plays a crucial role in personal and social
development, helping individuals develop values, ethics, and social skills. For example,
students may learn about empathy, cultural diversity, and ethical decision-making.

5. Creativity and Innovation: Education encourages creativity and innovation by providing

opportunities for artistic expression, problem-solving, and original thinking. This might
involve activities like writing, painting, or designing.

6. Career and Vocational Skills: Education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills
necessary for specific careers and vocations. For instance, a vocational training program
can prepare students for jobs in fields like automotive repair, culinary arts, or computer
programming.

7. Citizenship and Civic Engagement: Education promotes active citizenship and civic
engagement, fostering an understanding of democratic values, civic responsibility, and
community involvement. This can include activities such as community service,
participation in student government, or learning about political systems.

It is important to note that educational outcomes can vary across different educational
systems, cultural contexts, and individual goals. The examples provided above are general in
nature and may not encompass the full range of outcomes that can be achieved through
education.

Institutional, program, course, and learning outcomes are all related to the field of education
and refer to different levels of objectives and goals in the learning process. Let's define each
term and provide examples for better understanding:

What is institutional, program, course and learning outcomes?

1. Institutional Outcomes: Institutional outcomes are broad statements that define the
overall goals and objectives of an educational institution or organization as a whole. These
outcomes reflect the mission and vision of the institution and serve as a guiding framework
for all its programs and courses. Institutional outcomes are typically developed by the
institution's leadership and are intended to provide a consistent direction for the entire
learning community.
Example: An institutional outcome for a university could be "Graduates will demonstrate
critical thinking, effective communication, and ethical decision-making skills."

2. Program Outcomes: Program outcomes are specific statements that describe what
students are expected to achieve upon completing a particular academic program or major
within an institution. These outcomes are designed to align with the broader institutional
outcomes while also focusing on the knowledge, skills, and competencies specific to the
program area. Program outcomes are typically developed by faculty members and are used
to guide curriculum development, assessment, and program improvement efforts.

Example: Program outcomes for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program could include
"Graduates will demonstrate clinical competence in providing safe and effective patient
care" and "Graduates will exhibit professional values and ethical conduct in the nursing
profession."

3. Course Outcomes: Course outcomes are objectives that define what students should be
able to accomplish by the end of a specific course. These outcomes are derived from
program outcomes and are more focused and specific to the content and learning
experiences of the course. Course outcomes provide clear expectations for student learning
and guide the design of instructional activities, assessments, and learning resources within
the course.

Example: Course outcomes for a Calculus course could include "Students will be able to
solve derivatives and integrals of polynomial functions" and "Students will demonstrate an
understanding of the concept of limits and continuity."

4. Learning Outcomes: Learning outcomes, also known as learning objectives or student

learning outcomes, are statements that describe what students should know, understand, or
be able to do as a result of their learning experiences. Learning outcomes are specific,
measurable, and observable, and they guide the planning, implementation, and assessment
of instruction. They focus on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that students are expected
to acquire during their educational journey.
 Example: Learning outcomes for a chemistry laboratory experiment could include "Students
will be able to perform accurate measurements and record data" and "Students will
demonstrate an understanding of safety protocols and proper handling of chemicals."

It's important to note that these terms build upon each other, with institutional outcomes
providing a broader framework, followed by program outcomes that align with the
institution's goals, then course outcomes that are specific to individual courses, and finally,
learning outcomes that focus on the expected student achievements.

Educational objectives and learning outcomes are important components of designing and
assessing an educational program or course. Here are some sample educational objectives
and corresponding learning outcomes across different disciplines

Example of educational outcomes and learning outcomes:

1. Discipline: Mathematics

Educational Objective:

To develop problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning.

Learning Outcomes:

- Apply mathematical concepts and techniques to solve real-world problems.

- Analyze and interpret data using appropriate mathematical tools.

- Construct logical arguments and proofs to support mathematical claims.

- Use technology effectively to enhance mathematical understanding and computation.

2. Discipline: English Literature

Educational Objective:

To enhance critical reading and analytical skills in literature.

Learning Outcomes:

- Analyze and interpret literary texts from different genres and periods.

- Evaluate and critique literary works based on their themes, style, and historical context.

- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in discussing literary analysis.

- Engage in scholarly research and use appropriate sources to support literary

interpretations.
 3. Discipline: Computer Science

Educational Objective:

To develop programming skills and computational thinking.

Learning Outcomes:

- Design and implement algorithms to solve computational problems.

- Write code in programming languages to develop software applications.

- Demonstrate proficiency in data structures and algorithms for efficient problem-solving.

- Apply software engineering principles to develop reliable and maintainable software

systems.

4. Discipline: Biology

Educational Objective:

To understand fundamental concepts and principles of biology.

Learning Outcomes:

- Explain the basic principles of cell structure and function.

- Demonstrate knowledge of genetics and inheritance patterns.

- Identify and describe the major systems and processes in living organisms.

- Apply scientific inquiry and experimental methods to investigate biological phenomena.

5. Discipline: History

Educational Objective:

To develop a comprehensive understanding of historical events and their impact.

Learning Outcomes:

- Analyze primary and secondary sources to interpret historical events and perspectives.

- Identify and explain key political, social, and cultural developments in different historical
periods.

- Evaluate the causes and consequences of major historical events and movements.
- Construct well-supported arguments and narratives based on historical evidence.

These are just a few examples of educational objectives and learning outcomes. The
specific objectives and outcomes will vary depending on the educational level, subject, and
the intended learning goals of the program or course.