SLOs in Course Syllabi
Using SLOs in a course syllabus allows the professor to connect course learning
outcomes with assignments that facilitate mastering the outcome and evidence to
grade and assess student learning. The outcomes should be aligned with program,
school, and institutional learning outcomes. Outcomes should be clearly stated on
the syllabus. See
Writing SLOs for development of
course learning outcomes.
To align the course outcomes with assignments and assessment, a simple grid can
aid in matching outcomes with course activities and will prepare for course assessment.
Course Plan for Engaging Students and Assessing Learning
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Course Learning Outcome
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What Students Do to Master the Learning Outcome
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Evidence to Grade and Assess Student Learning
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- Students will be able to describe changes in cognition, personality, and motor skills
from birth to early childhood.
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- Assigned readings on the topic, class activities, and lectures.
- Develop a growth chart with milestones for each dimension.
- Observe 3 children of different ages and analyze their cognition, personality, and
motor skills.
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- Multiple choice quizzes
- Observation report
- Final exam (multiple choice and short answer).
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An assessment plan for the course should include sample evidence from all of the
outcomes. Both direct and indirect evidence should be used in the course assessment.
Results from the assessment should be analyzed by all of the professors who teach
the course. The results from the analyses should be used to inform curriculum changes
and any resource allocation to ensure that course outcomes are being met.
Indirect Evidence
Perceptions and Input
(data is a reflection of knowledge, behavior, or thought processes)
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Direct Evidence
Products of Student Learning
(data displays student knowledge, behavior, or thought processes)
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Student Satisfaction Surveys
Student Exit Surveys
Alumni Surveys
Employers Surveys
Focus Groups
Exit Interviews with Graduates
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Student Work Samples
Portfolios
Capstone projects
Assessment of student performance
Case Analysis
Observations of student behavior
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