Option 1: Updating Existing Program Learning Outcomes

Use this option if you:

  • Want to use your current program learning outcomes
  • Are prioritizing efficiency right now

Steps to updating existing program learning outcomes

A diagram showing the process of updating learning outcomes: Find Program Learning Outcomes, Edit PLOs, Align PLOs with Western Degree Outcomes, Seek faculty feedback on PLOs, Consolidate and incorporate edits.

1. Find Program Learning Outcomes

Find program learning outcomes for each module under review from a previous IQAP review or more recent curriculum development activities. 

2. Edit Program Learning Outcomes

Appoint a small curriculum committee to edit the program learning outcomes.

Referring to our "Questions for Reviewing Program Learning Outcomes", review and edit each outcome as needed. Guidelines for writing outcomes, example outcomes, lists of action verbs, and the guiding questions are available in the "Writing Program Learning Outcomes Guide (Opens in new window)".

Questions for Reviewing Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Do they accurately describe what a graduate should know, value and be able to do? Are there any specific statements that should be added, consolidated or removed?
  2. Do the learning outcomes align with those defined by the institution and/or other related programs?
  3. Do the action verbs adequately convey an appropriate level of understanding for each learning outcome?
  4. Could multiple audiences (e.g. students, instructors, employers, administrators, across institutions) understand the learning outcomes?
    • If not, how could the clarity of the learning outcome be improved?
  5. Would the discipline be clear if the statement were read in isolation?
    • If not, what additional detail could be added to provide additional disciplinary context?
  6. Could you appropriately assess each outcome?
    • If not, how should they be revised? What additional details/context is required?

3. Align Program Learning Outcomes with Western Degree Outcomes (Undergraduate Programs Only)

Program learning outcomes from all modules need to be aligned with Western Degree Outcomes. Watch our brief tutorial on how to align program learning outcomes with Western Degree Outcomes. Ensure that each Western Degree Outcome is covered by at least one outcome in of your department's modules.

Video: Aligning Program Learning Outcomes to Western Degree Outcomes [7 minutes]

4. Seek Feedback on Program Learning Outcomes

Send the updated program learning outcomes to faculty, staff, and students with a deadline for providing feedback. Provide the Guiding Questions for Reviewing Program Learning Outcomes within your email. Consider assigning particular module outcomes to different program members, while inviting feedback on all outcomes if they wish.

5. Consolidate and Incorporate Edits.

Alone or with your curriculum committee, incorporate edits received by the deadline into the program learning outcomes.

See also:

        

 

Questions?

If you would like to discuss this topic further, please contact a member of the CTL curriculum team.