Workshop Teaching/Learning Methods and Learning Outcomes

Petra OberhuemerMichael DerntlSonja Kabicher

University of Vienna, Austria

petra.oberhuemer@univie.ac.atmichael.derntl@univie.ac.at sonja.kabicher@univie.ac.at

Workshop @ UC3M - P. Oberhuemer, S. Kabicher, M. Derntl 2July 2009

Types of Learning Outcomes

Knowledge(outcome of the assimilation of information through learning)

Skills(ability to apply knowledge and use know-

how to complete tasks and solve problems)

Personal and professional competence (proven ability to use knowledge, skills and

personal, social and/or methodological abilities.

proven abilityto use

abilityto apply

Social and/or methodological abilities

(not further specified)

Types of learning outcomes

Workshop @ UC3M - P. Oberhuemer, S. Kabicher, M. Derntl 3July 2009

Alignment throughout Levelsof Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes in the European Qualification Framework

Learning outcomesin the Austrian National Qualification

Framework

Learning outcomesin the graduates’ qualification description

(qualification profile) in a formal curriculum document

are in line with…

are in line with…

International level

National level

Learning outcomesof modules

are in line with…

Field of study level

Institutional level

Workshop @ UC3M - P. Oberhuemer, S. Kabicher, M. Derntl 4July 2009

Why Learning Outcomes - EQF

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

Level 6

Level 7

Level 8

1st cycle (180-240 ECTS)Bachelor level

2nd cycle (90-120 ECTS)Master level

3rd cycleDoctorate level

European Qualification Framework (EQF)for Lifelong Learning

Levels 1-8

Framework for Qualifications of the

European Higher Education Area

Short cycle (120 ECTS)within or linked to 1st cycle

Academic Levels

Workshop @ UC3M - P. Oberhuemer, S. Kabicher, M. Derntl 5July 2009

Learning Outcome Sentence Structure

Students are/will be able toStudents will learn to

On completion of the learning the successful student will be able to(according to Adam, 2004, p. 5)

VERB NOUN.

Describes intended cognitive process

Describes knowledge

students are expected to acquire or construct.

qualification, module or course

Workshop @ UC3M - P. Oberhuemer, S. Kabicher, M. Derntl 6July 2009

Learning Outcomes of a Course

Learning outcomes

Teaching methods

ECTS

Assessment techniques

ADJUSTMENT

Workshop @ UC3M - P. Oberhuemer, S. Kabicher, M. Derntl 7July 2009

Learning Outcome Examples

Students are able to …

… explain the seven layers of the ISO/OSI Reference Model

… enumerate the most influential politicians of the 20th century

… design an interactive website that complies with Web Accessibility Guidelines

… filter out relevant literature for a given research problem.

… guide their team mates in improving the architectural model of a system.

… moderate a virtual task-force meeting

Knowledge

Skills

Competence

Workshop @ UC3M - P. Oberhuemer, S. Kabicher, M. Derntl 8July 2009

Some guidelines for formulating

Focus on learning rather than teaching� Students are taught about software design flaws☺ Students are able to identify critical design flaws in a

given software system

Focus on the outcome, not the process� Students complete Unit 1 on basics of academic writing☺ Students are able to explain the basic principles of

academic writing

Make sure that achievement can be assessed� Students are able to give a good presentation about their

semester project☺ Students are able to convey the essential outcomes of

their semester project in a five-minute slideshow presentation

It’s your turn…

TASK

Workshop @ UC3M - P. Oberhuemer, S. Kabicher, M. Derntl 10July 2009

Task

• Decompose a course into the methods it uses, and identify and formulate learning outcomes associated with the methods

• Gather in small groups if desired

Workshop @ UC3M - P. Oberhuemer, S. Kabicher, M. Derntl 11July 2009

Task Step 1: Describe a Course

•Think of one of specific course (best if it is not a lecture)

•Fill out the “Course Description” sheet for the course– Example:

Workshop @ UC3M - P. Oberhuemer, S. Kabicher, M. Derntl 12July 2009

Task Step 2: Identify Methods

• From the detailed course description, identify the teaching/learning and assessment methods you use in your course

• Fill out the “Method Description” sheet for each method– Example:

Workshop @ UC3M - P. Oberhuemer, S. Kabicher, M. Derntl 13July 2009

Task Step 3: Formulate learning outcomes

• Formulate all learning outcomes relevant to your course

• For each learning outcome:– Identify the type, i.e. knowledge, skill or competence– Link the methods that support this outcome by referencing their

Number (#1, #2, etc.)

Workshop @ UC3M - P. Oberhuemer, S. Kabicher, M. Derntl 14July 2009

Task Steps Overview

1. Fill out “Course Description” sheet. Focus on the detailed description, optimally using a flowchart or tabular presentation

2. Identify and briefly describe on the “Method Description” sheet the methods (teaching or assessment) used in your course.

3. Create a complete list of learning outcomes for your course.Identify the type of each outcome, and reference the methods supporting this outcome