Developing SMART and MATURE Outcomes
Learning outcomes should be:
Specific: Clear and definite terms describing expected abilities, knowledge, values, attitudes, and performance
Measurable: It is feasible to get the data, data are accurate and reliable; it can be assessed more than one way
Aggressive but Attainable: Consider stretch targets to improve program
Results-oriented: Describe what standards are expected of students
Time-bound: Describe where you would like to be within a specified period of time
When measuring learning outcomes make sure that the measure…
Matches: directly to the outcome it is trying to measure
Appropriate methods: uses appropriate direct and indirect method
Targets: indicates desired level of performance
Useful: measures help identify what to improve
Reliable: based on tested, known methods
Effective and Efficient: characterize the outcome concisely
Adapted from Paula Krist, Director of Operational Effectiveness and Assessment Support, University of Central Florida. Presentation at the Annual Forum of Association for Institutional Research, Chicago, IL, May 2006.