Aims, outcomes and objectives:
Aim:
As the name suggests, the aim of the module or specific session give an overall summary
of what you hope will be achieved in that time.
Learning outcomes:
These are things the student will know, understand or be able to do as a result of the
module or session. You can’t predict all the learning that will take place but these are the
key things you would like every student to achieve. Consequently all learning outcomes
should be assessed in one or more of the assignments.
Objectives:
These are the things that will be done under your guidance to achieve the outcomes.
The syllabus will give you an aim as well as a list of outcomes and objectives for the
course as a whole. However, you should also have an explicit set of aims, outcomes and
objectives for each session. These don’t need to be numerous or complicated but they are
important in giving the session purpose and structure, and linking it back to the syllabus.
You should share at least the aims and objectives with the students at the beginning of the
session and review with at the end whether or not they have been achieved. This helps
both tutor and students to assess how successful the learning has been in the session.
EXAMPLES:
Aims, objectives and outcomes for a module:
Below are the aims, learning outcomes and objectives from the syllabus for ‘Psychology
of Learning and Learning Styles’
Aim:
To review psychological theory that describes and explains human learning in adulthood
and to explore ways in which such theory may be applied to support learning in a range
of settings.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
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identify key principles from behavioural, cognitive and humanistic schools of
psychology which are useful in explaining ‘how we learn’ and give examples of
these principles in action in a range of settings.
describe various forms of individual difference in learning and discuss the
implications for learners and teachers.
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describe the various aspects of the environment which may impact on learning
and discuss the implications for learners and teachers.
discuss the interaction between environmental and individual factors in learning.
demonstrate an understanding of the development of ideas within this field, and of
contemporary approaches and issues.
recognise a range of research methods that might be appropriate to the study of
this area of psychology (identifying strengths and weaknesses of core
methodologies).
Identify the ethical issues when conducting research in this area, with particular
consideration of harm.
demonstrate an appropriate awareness of cultural considerations in the evaluation
of theory and research.
illustrate the practical applications of research findings.
think critically about the subjects covered.
present their own ideas about issues addressed on the course.
discuss and implement a range of strategies to support their learning.
successfully plan and write essays or other assignments which have been set to
support their learning on this course.
Objectives:
To this end, teaching and learning activities will provide opportunities to:
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explain and evaluate the principle theories which can contribute to our
understanding of ‘how we learn’.
explore the range of factors within the learner and their environment that affect
learning.
discuss ways in which the psychological perspective on learning may be applied
in practice, particularly in professional settings.
discuss the types of research methods that might be used in the study of ‘how we
learn’.
highlight the ethical issues involved when conducting research and the issues that
arise when trying to generalise results (for example across cultures).
provide students support in order to take part in the assessment process.
support and develop study skills, including note taking and essay writing.
build students’ confidence in presenting ideas and in critical thinking.
Aims, objectives and outcomes for a specific session (taken from Ana Lewin’s
Foundations of Modern Psychology course):
By the end of this week you should be able to:
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Demonstrate a growing understanding of the various approaches in psychology and
their key assumptions about human behaviour;
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Demonstrate an understanding of the research process;
Demonstrate a broad awareness of the various methods of research in psychology.
Demonstrate a growing awareness of the complexities and difficulties inherent in the
research process including ethical considerations.
Outline the key features of the development of ethical guidelines for psychological
research.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the British Psychological Society’s Code of
Conduct – Ethical Principles and Guidelines