Learning Goals and Outcomes

Start with goals and outcomes

Begin with the mind map on planning goals and learning outcomes. It introduces perspectives including learner centeredness, social reconstructionism and cultural pluralism. Use its branches to make a short list of the different perspectives, then look at how each one is presented in the map.

Next, explore the maps on goals and objectives. They distinguish general statements about what a program hopes to accomplish from more specific statements about knowledge, behaviors or skills. Compare these descriptions with the planning map to see how the resources approach goals and outcomes.

Explore objectives and skills

Educational Objectives looks at sources for objectives, including the study of learners, life outside school and subject matter specialists. It also refers to a school’s educational and social philosophy. As you study, consider how these sources relate to the goals described in the planning resources.

Bloom's Taxonomy maps present cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains. One map connects these with thinking, feeling and physical skills; another lists activities from remembering and understanding to evaluating and creating. Key 21st Century Skills adds a view of creativity and innovation. Compare the maps to explore different ways the page presents learning.

Use the maps for study

This topic is part of Curriculum Development in Education and pedagogy (incl. teaching methods, curriculum, educational psychology). The resources connect planning goals with educational objectives, outcomes and skills within that unit.

There are no quizzes listed on this topic page, so turn a map into a self-check: cover its branches and try to recall the ideas before looking again. Use a flowchart alongside a map to compare how the resources organize the topic. Choose a resource and follow the ideas that interest you.