The outcome should be the student is able to integrate the knowledge and apply it to new situtations.
However for some students who need more structure, student-centered learning is chaos.
finding a ballance between the motivated students and the non-motivated students is the challenge.
"Begin with the end in mind." Student outcomes are the basis for any instructional endeavor. We teach so that the knowledge and or skills may be applied. The effective application of knowledge or skills is validates that the student has learned what was presented.
it feels really good when you see some students struggling to understand a concept and then the light bulb goes off and they finally get it! As an instructor sometimes we are the ones trying to explain that concept in a different way for them to get it or other times that student turns to their classmate who helps to explain it. That student who is explaining it then realizes that they too have a good understanding.
Hi Mark:
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's) are really the the defining knowledge the student will have when they complete the course. Course objective state how the teacher will go about achieving the SLO's. Resources and assignments are the mechanics of getting through the class. And assessments measure to what degree the student was successful.
Regards, Barry
If students are involved in the learning process, that investment increases their desire to absorb material and be successful.
Hi Patsy:
Good Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's) should define the basic information a student will learn in a course and the objectives will define how you will go about it. For students in trade professions, these SLO's should align with the ultimate work the student-graduate will be performing when they complete the course. I think you touched on that. Learning is best when it tracks with the course of study.
Regards, Barry
It's important that students keep in mind the ultimate goal of their learning experience is to perform well in real-life situations. Instructors should remember to follow lessons with appropriate feedback from the students to more accurately monitor what they have actually learned.
Hi Elizabeth:
Yes, and they'll care the most when the teacher is emphasizing the core topics designed to be presented in a class. Outcomes define what a student will know or be able to do when the unit is complete. Course objectives give us the steps to achieveing success on the outcomes.
Regards, Barry
A happier and more productive student! Centering your lesson plans around your students will help the students learn more efficiently by making them feel like you care.
Hi Ken:
My adaptation of Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's) define the basic knowledge and skill set a student will be exposed to in a class. Course onjectives follow SLO's, and resources and delivery of the course content follow the course objectives. Hopefully, students learn something from this hierarchy of educational pedagogy!
Regards, Barry
Becoming proficient at a task and applying a
concept learned to a new situation.
Hi Caroline:
It's great when students do well on tests. It should make the teacher happy too. Student learning objectives(SLO's) really define what is the essential content of a course.
Good test scores that don't align with the SLO's may not help the student. So, tracking closely with institution defined SLO's help assure the stuednt is getting the correct information at the correct time, and the appropriate environment.
Regards, Barry
After students take a test and do well, I feel they are getting the essential material. They also feel good about it!
Hi Christopher:
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's) can be a general term or a specific model all courses follow in a given curriculum. All curriculum should feed to the SLO's, anything else there's time for is okay, but at least the student is assured of getting the essential material if we steer towards SLO's.
Regards, Barry
The outcome of student centered learning is a student who will be better instructed and more well rounded. This will be due to the instuctor's ability to communicate to the students more easily because the instructor will be better received.
Hi Sarah:
I'm glad these work for you. Every activity we do should reinforce or track back to one or more of the approved student learning outcomes (SLO's). When that happens, every new experience just makes teaching the class a little more fun!
Regards, Barry
I always work the first few days in my classroom on trust games. My students know each other's names by the end of the second day. I like to create as many collaborative events as possible. Just recently I created a project that involves learning as a group as well as being aware of your own teamwork style. Along with working with a group for a presentation, you are also following your own progress with in a group setting.
Hi Kimberly:
That's great when students feel this way. Each contact should be veiwed as an opportunity to do something more, something new or interesting, and of course, actions that result in having the student come a bit closer to learning the designated material.
Regards, Barry
The greatest outcome on a positive note is that students feel that they are in the loop. They are involved in their learning and therefore it gives them a sense that their needs are being focused upon.
Hi Alana:
Student centered also puts the focus on the perspective of the student, versus that of the institution or instructor, not that those participants are not in control, but approaching instruction based on what the students needs are at the time. This can include many methods and models, but however it's done, it shifts the focus from teaching to learning.
Regards, Barry
