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Write ability learning outcomes

 Ability learning outcomes describe the skills it is hoped that students will gain and can be divided into:

  • Subject specific skills

    Examples of appropriate verbs might include:

    Research

    enquire, investigate, research, question, initiate, seek

    Application

    illustrate, demonstrate, exemplify, apply, employ

    Creativity

    originate, invent, conceptualise, create, solve, produce

  • Cognitive skills

    These more easily translate into effective learning outcome statements and, of module, the language of the outcomes should refer to the substantive subject knowledge contained in the ‘Module contents’.

    It is important, especially when matching the learning outcome to an appropriate assessment, to select the most suitable verb. Examples of verbs used in outcomes relating to intellectual ability might include:

    Replication

    state, list, name, record, indicate, recount, define, outline

    Interpretation

    discuss, clarify, recognise, describe, restate, explain

    Analysis

    compare, contrast, distinguish, appraise, debate, analyse, examine, categorise

    Synthesis

    formulate, plan, design, develop, redefine, propose

    Evaluation

    assess, criticise, evaluate, appraise, judge, discriminate, estimate

    Exposition

    make distinctions, achieve coherence, conceptualise, display ideas

  • Transferable skills

    Examples of appropriate verbs might include:

    Communication

    express, précis, articulate, advocate, argue, present, justify, formalise, question, defend, examine, explain, summarise, illustrate

    Co-operation

    co-operate, interact, establish rapport, collaborate, listen, respond, participate,

    Organisation

    direct, co-ordinate, arbitrate, guide, initiate, lead, motivate, direct

  • An example

    Here is an example of how (part of) the ‘Module contents’ section of a module in English Language might appear:

    1. The basic principles of semiotic analysis with particular reference to the use of symbols and icons in human communication.
    2.  The basic principles of linguistic analysis with particular reference to sound (phonetics), grammar (syntax) and meaning (semantics).
    3. The phonemic transcription of English.

    And the following shows how the substantive content contained under the ‘Module Contents’ heading might be reflected under the ‘Learning Outcomes’ heading of the module specification:

    On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

    Cognitive skills 

    Analyse visual and written material using the basic principles of semiotic and linguistic analysis.

    Subject specific skills Judge the effectiveness of specific examples of human communication through application of basic semiotic and linguistic principles. 

    Encode and decode English words and sentences using simple phonemic transcription.

    Transferable skills

    Demonstrate competence in group report writing.