How Can I Clarify Fuzzy Learning Goals?

To effectively teach and assess student performance, as well as to help students learn at an optimal level, it is important that learning goals be as clear as possible.

In this Magna 20 Minute Mentor, Linda Suskie discusses a variety of ways to clarify learning goals that may be vague or unclear.

Learning outcomes

You will learn:

The impact of fuzzy learning goals on students’ ability to learn.
How to clarify goals that are vague or unclear.
How to use rubrics, describe successful behaviors or ask “Why?” to help clarifying fuzzy learning goals.

Suskie recommends that you:

Use action words that describe what graduates should be able to do.
Brainstorm how successful and unsuccessful alumni would differ.
Use rubrics or rating scales to help define broad goals

The program also includes supplemental materials that feature examples of fuzzy learning goals, checklists, and recommended resources.

At the conclusion of this 20 minute program, you will know how to:

Clearly explain and demonstrate learning goals so your students understand them.
How to use clarifying or demonstration techniques that include: using action words that describe what graduates should be able to do, and using rubrics or rating scales to help define broad goals.

Make this program available for ongoing training

Order the Campus Access License and load the CD onto your institution’s internal web site for unlimited, convenient, on-demand access for all members of your campus community. Click here for more information and to see all the benefits of the Campus Access License.

TO ORDER: How Can I Clarify Fuzzy Learning Goals?