Course-level versus supporting outcomes
In brief
Learning outcomes describe what you expect your students to achieve from a single class, a chapter, a course or an entire program.
Course-level learning outcomes are broad and describe what a student will be able to do as a culmination of their learning at the end of a course.
Supporting outcomes are descriptions of more discrete learning that builds up the knowledge, skills and attitudes students need to reach the course learning outcomes.
You can define supporting outcomes at the level of the module or lesson.
Course-level outcomes tell the student what they will achieve with the course. Supporting outcomes help you, as Instructor, attend to the important foundations of your course-level outcomes. Clearly defined outcomes (course and supporting) help you select the most effective learning content, activities, and assessments for your course curriculum.
Watch this video to learn more about distinguishing course-level outcomes and supporting outcomes.
Learning Outcomes video © Concordia University. Download the learning outcomes video transcript (docx).
An instructional unit that focuses on a particular topic.
