Characteristics of Good

Learning Outcomes
1. Good student learning outcomes (SLO)
are centered on the students, on what the
learners are capable of doing, instead of the
teaching technique. The teaching strategy
will only be guided by the desired
competencies of the students. For instance
if the SLO is: "the students can explain and
illustrate the life cycle of an insect," to guide
the students towards the desired
competency the teacher may use any or all
of the following instructional techniques
and activities:
(a) video presentation of the life cycle of a
butterfly
(b) poster presentation of the different stages in
the development of a butterfly
(c) field trip to a botanical garden or nature park
to observe the different stages in the life cycle of a
butterfly
(d) submission of an essay on the dangers
observed that will interrupt or abort the life cycle
of the butterfly
(e) submission of a proposed project to protect the
life cycle of insects or other useful animals
2. Good learning outcomes are based on the program
mission statement agreed upon by the program faculty in
consultation with other stakeholders like alumni and
other professionals. It is important that the student
learning outcomes are based on issuances from
government regulatory agencies such as DepEd's K to 12
Law Enhanced Basic Education in the Philippines, the
CHED's Policies, Standards and Guidelines on Teacher
Education, thrusts of appropriate professional
organizations and advocacies of employer and industry
groups.
3. Good student learning outcomes are very
well understood by both students and
faculty. They should be in agreement on the
importance of these competencies which
they will cooperatively develop. Here are
suggested steps that teacher and students
can together take in their cooperative
monitoring of the progress towards the
desired learning outcomes or skills and
competencies.
Hooking the students to the desired learning
outcome
Exploring and experiencing the supporting
student activities
Applying the ideas/knowledge required in
contrived, simulated or real-life situations
Refining, rehearsing, reviewing the target
skills/competencies
Evaluating the degree of learning outcome
performance
Deciding on the action, solution or creative project
to apply the learning outcome
4. Good learning outcomes include a spectrum of thinking skills
from simple to the higher order of application of knowledge and
skills. Here is an example of a range of learning outcomes from the
simple to the complex under the competency:

"ability to understand."
(a)can identify
(b) can explain
(c) can apply
(d) can analyze
(e) can synthesize
(0) can evaluate
(g) can judge
(h) can create
 5. Good learning outcomes are measureable. Student
competencies should be expressed as transitive verbs
and/or action words which are demonstrable and
observable at various levels. Examples of
observable/measurable competency levels:
(a) For K to 12 Grades 3-10 Reading, Mathematics, Language,
Science.
Numerical Rating Proficiency Level
1 Below basic level
2 Basic level
3 Proficient level
4 Advanced level
(b) For the nursing program, the example used is Patricia
Benner's Levels of Competency.
Numerical Rating Level of Competency
1 Novice
2 Advanced Beginner
3 Competent
4 Proficient
5 Expert