How to Write Course Learning Outcomes (With Examples)

A learning outcome states what students will be able to do after a course, module or lesson. Write it with an action verb students can demonstrate (create, plan, calculate, write, set up), make it specific and measurable, and tie it to the course promise. One clear outcome per module keeps your content focused and shows students their progress.

Formula

Weak vs strong

Action verbs that work

Create, plan, write, calculate, set up, demonstrate, compare, choose, design, record, present, complete.

Avoid: understand, know, learn about, appreciate, be aware of. They cannot be observed.

Use outcomes everywhere

• In your course outline to decide what to keep.
• On your sales page to show what students get.
• At the start of each lesson slide deck.
• In module checklists so students see progress.

Course, module and lesson outcomes

Each lesson outcome supports a module outcome, and each module outcome supports the course outcome. If a lesson does not connect upward, it is a candidate to cut.

Check outcomes with assessments

For every outcome, decide how students will show it: a completed worksheet, a quiz, a photo of their work, a submitted plan. If you cannot think of a way to check it, rewrite the outcome so it is observable.

Share outcomes with students

Show the module outcome at the start of each module and a checklist at the end. Students who can see their progress are more likely to keep going. See course completion rates.