It’s important to look beyond what you want students to accomplish in a given course and ask, “What will they be able to do after with the knowledge and skills they gain?” That’s a question you can help answer with learning outcomes.

When forming learning outcomes, it can be helpful to start with a consistent stem phrase—a starter statement at the beginning of each one. For example:

• Students will be able to engage in informed dialogue about ethical issues in health communication.
• Students will be able to describe organizational issues in health communication.
• Students will be able to research and analyze health communication interventions.
• Students will be able to think critically about health reporting in the mass media.

These statements can be written at a lesson or course level and establish a connection for students between the learning requirements and intended outcomes.