Developing Practical Learning Outcomes

How to Write Well-Defined Learning Objectives

This article discusses the importance of crafting learning objectives focus on what program participants are able to do at the conclusion of an educational activities, and then offers practical tips and tools for writing well-defined learning objectives. Download How to Write Well-Defined Learning Objectives.

Measurable Verbs to Express Bloom’s Taxonomy

This two-pager summarizes Bloom’s Taxonomy of verbs to describe and classify knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviors and abilities. Learning outcomes that use measurable verbs explicitly articulate what program participants do to demonstrate learning. Download Measurable Verbs to Express Bloom’s Taxonomy.

Methods to Collect Data

This one-pager, adapted by Janet McAllister from the Basic Guide to Evaluation by C. McNamara, provides a snap shot of various pros and cons of different methods for collecting evaluative data. Download Methods To Collect Evaluative Data.

Scale Response Answer Choices for Survey Questions

This two-page document provides examples of answer choices for Likert-type scale questions in surveys. Likert scale questions are generally considered a reliable way to measure opinions, perceptions and behaviors. This document, from Wade M. Vagias at Clemson University, provides over three dozen examples. Many of these kinds of example questions are also now built into question libraries built into survey platforms as Survey Monkey and Qualtrics. Download Likert-Type Scale Response Answers.

Using Retrospective Pre-Post Evaluations

This post from Debi Lang and Judy Savageau on the American Evaluation Association’s blog shows how to use retrospective pre-post surveys to assess  whether programs are meeting their learning objectives. Go to the Starting at the End: Measuring Learning by Using Retrospective Pre-Post Evaluations post.