A select bibliography of academic literature pertaining to curriculum development and learning outcomes
American Association of Law Libraries (2008). Writing learning outcomes . Available at:
http://www.aallnet.org/prodev/outcomes.asp
A nice straightforward page on the basics of writing learning outcomes, with clear rationale for why they should be written clearly, and tips on doing so.
Camosun College (2008). What are Learning Outcomes? Available at: http://disted.camosun.bc.ca/lt/learn_out.php
A succinct explanation of what learning outcomes are, and the benefits of having them.
Gronlund, N. E. (1995). How to Write and Use Instructional Objectives. (5 th edition). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc.
A classic guide and very understandable and approachable text.
Jenkins, A., & Unwin, D. (1996). How to write learning outcomes. Available at: http://www.ncgia.ucsb.edu/education/curricula/giscc/units/format/outcomes.html
Clear explanation of how to write outcomes, with sample from math and computing. Provides a list of verbs to use in outcomes to link them to levels of Bloom’s taxonomy. For a simple overview of Bloom’s, see http://www.odu.edu/educ/llschult/blooms_taxonomy.htm ; for more detail, go to http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/bloom.html .
Mager's Tips on Instructional Objectives (1999). Available online at: http://www2.gsu.edu/~mstmbs/CrsTools/Magerobj.html .
Background detail on writing instructional objectives, but reading the interactive book is much more fun.
Mager, R. F. (1975). Preparing instructional objectives (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Fearon-Pitman.
Yes, it’s old, but if you’re looking for some more detail on understanding the components of outcomes/objectives and how to write them, this interactive book is a great resource.
Mager, R. F. (1973). Measuring instructional intent or got a match? Belmont, CA: Fearon-Pitman.
When you’re ready to think about matching your assessments to your outcomes, this book will walk you through how to do it.
UPRAC Review and Audit Guidelines (2006). Available online:
http://www.cou.on.ca/content/objects/UPRACGuidelineswithDegreeExpectationsFinal.pdf
Excellent links; particularly good for examples of degree level expectations from various disciplines.
In addition, the following general curriculum planning books are available in the CTE library (MC 4051):
Association of American Colleges (1992). Program review and educational quality in the major: A faculty handbook. Vol 3 of Liberal Learning and the Arts and Sciences Major. Washington, DC: AAC.
Clifton, C., & Grant Haworth, J. (Eds.)(1990). Curriculum in transition: Perspectives on the undergraduate experience. Needham Heights, MT: Ginn Press (Simon/Schuster).
Diamond, R. M. (1998). Designing and assessing courses and curricula: A practical guide (Revised Edition). San Francisco: Jossey Bass.
Gaff, J. G., Ratcliff, J. L., & Associates (1997). Handbook of the undergraduate curriculum. A comprehensive guide to purposes, structures, practices, and change. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.
Stark, J. S., & Lattuca, L. R. (1997). Shaping the college curriculum: Academic plans in action. Boston, MT: Allyn and Bacon.