Appendix 4: A guide to writing learning outcomes
Last revised: 06 Feb 2026
A statement of a learning outcome contains an action (verb) and an object (usually a noun).
Different verbs are used in learning outcomes to indicate the level of complexity the learning will address. Table A4.2 features six cognitive processes and appropriate verbs that can be used when writing learning outcomes.
Table A4.2. Six cognitive processes and associated verbs that can be used when writing learning outcomes
Beware of vague verbs and phrases that cannot be measured:
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