 Definitions
What is a student learning outcome?
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Outcomes: Used to describe the anticipated or achieved results of
programs or the accomplishment of institutional objectives, as
demonstrated by such indicators as student attitudes, knowledge,
and/or performance. (WASC Handbook of Accreditation/2001)
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
Student Learning Outcomes: Knowledge, skills, abilities, and
attitudes that a student has attained at the end (or as a result) of
his or her engagement in a particular set of collegiate experiences.
(p.49, Accreditation Standards—ACCJC Standards Glossary)
The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges
Student Learning Outcomes refer to overarching specific observable
characteristics developed by local faculty that allow them to
determine or demonstrate evidence that learning has occurred as a
result of a specific course, program, activity, or process.
Outcomes are broader statements of intent or vision that are not
necessarily measurable, but observable. Objectives are small steps
that lead toward an outcome or goal. Measurability refers to both
quantitative and qualitative means of measuring. (p.9, Standards and
Practices Committee: Faculty Role in Accreditation.)
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