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What is outcomes communication?
What is outcomes communication?
Outcomes communication is the consistent and dynamic exposure to the learning outcomes throughout a learning experience. This means that students get ample opportunities to analyze, understand, and connect outcomes to the learning activities and assessments throughout a class, sequence, or program.
Why is outcomes communication important?
Why is outcomes communication important?
Learning outcomes represent the goals that we have for students, and students should know what their goals are. Consistent communication about outcomes serves as an anchor for all of the day-to-day learning opportunities and a guide for the content of both formative and summative assessments. Without outcomes communication, students might wonder things like "why am I reading this?" or "what is the point of this exercise?" When we communicate the outcomes and how the individual lesson or assignment objectives align to the broader goals of the course, program, and/or transfer, we can justify the importance of each component of the learning experience. Students who understand the reasons behind the activities and assessments are more likely to be deeply engaged and successful in the entire learning process.
What are some effective ways of maintaining consistent outcomes communication?
What are some effective ways of maintaining consistent outcomes communication?
create a course components list that includes the what, why, and when of all of the low- and high-stakes assessments
include relevant course outcomes at the top of each assignment or weekly module
draw attention to the specific ways in which individual lesson or unit objectives align to overall course and/or program/discipline outcomes attainment
encourage students to reflect regularly on their progress towards outcomes attainment (in-class discussion, forum, informal writing exercise, etc.)
in Career Technical programs, share the program outcomes map with students so they can see each course in the context of the larger picture (PLOs)
include clear instructions on every assignment that explain exactly what knowledge and/or skills you want students to demonstrate (see below)
Outcomes Communication in Action: A Tutoring Perspective
Outcomes Communication in Action: A Tutoring Perspective
Instructors, remember our partners in student success, including Academic & Tutoring Services. A student who understands the overall goals of the course and how they are reflected in your assignments has a better chance to successfully attain them.
Written assignment guidelines are super beneficial! From a tutoring perspective, when instructors provide students with written assignment guidelines (in Moodle or somewhere else accessible) that include specific requirements and expectations, tutors are better able to support students in an impactful way. It is immensely helpful for students to have access to documented guidelines, written in the instructor’s own words, to refer back to as uncertainties and the need for clarification arise in the course of completing the assignment. These clearly written assignment guidelines can also help boost a student’s confidence when approaching coursework on their own because they are given clear parameters by the person who will be providing them with feedback and a grade.
-Liz Wallace, Lead Academic Coach in Writing, ESL, and Social Sciences
Do you have students who need more academic support to achieve their course or program learning outcomes? Click the icon to find resources!
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