Defining translating and assessing learning outcomes Course in

“Defining, translating and assessing learning outcomes “ Course in the framework of the Summer School 2013, Koblenz

Who we are QANU - Quality Assurance Netherlands Universities, Barbara van Balen; http: //www. qanu. nl/en World University Service (WUS) Austria, Veronika Nitsche and Michaela Handke; www. wus-austria. org

Contents This course gives an introduction on how to develop learning outcomes, considering international academic and professional requirements. Main topics: – Development of study programmes relevant to the professional field – How to write learning outcomes – Modularisation of programmes – Designing curricula/syllabi based on learning outcomes – Correct usage of ECTS/assessment of course workload – Linking learning outcomes to teaching and learning activities and assessment

Learning outcomes (acquired competences) By the end of this course, participants are able to: - Define the requirements set by academics and professionals in the field; - Formulate solid and meaningful intended learning outcomes; - Identify the requirements of the labor market in the frame of curriculum development; - Design effective syllabi/curricula; - Identify different learning outcomes in a program, and identify possible points for improvement; - Calculate and use ECTS; - Prepare and analyze learning activities from (1) a learner´s perspective and (2) from the perspective of a potential employer; - Link learning outcomes to teaching and learning activities, and to the assessment methods; - Make learning outcomes testable; - Develop a test plan in line with the learning outcomes.

Course parameters - 16 hours of lectures (plus preparation) - 1 ECTS - Language: English

Examination - 2 grades: pass/fail - In order to pass a participant has to attend min. 75% of the course and write a short essay

Dates and course programme - 02/07/2013, 10: 15 – 15: 45 - 03/07/2013, 14: 15 – 17: 45 - 04/07/2013, 14: 15 – 17: 45 - 05/07/2013, 10: 15 – 15: 45

Literature Declan Kennedy, Áine Hyland, Norma Ryan: “Writing and using learning outcomes: a practical guide”, article C 3. 4 -1 in Eric Froment, Jürgen Kohler, Lewis Purser and Lesley Wilson (eds. ): EUA Bologna Handbook – Making Bologna Work (Berlin 2006: Raabe Verlag) (available on line) Marjorie Devine & Nevart Yaghlian: Test Construction Manual, Construction of Objective Tests. http: //www. cte. cornell. edu/documents/Test%20 Construction%20 Manual. pdf Eberly Center: Design your course. http: //www. cmu. edu/teaching/designteach/design/index. html John Biggs: ‘Aligning teaching and assesing to course objectives. ’ Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: New Trends and Innovations. University of Aveiro, 2003. (pdf available on line)

Your expectations for the course? - About yourself and your expectations for the course. - What are the current challenges in higher education (HE) in your home country? - Which challenges are tackled by the project you are participating in?