A concise, measurable description of what students should know, understand, and be able to do after a lesson, unit, or course of study provides the instructional roadmap. For example, “Students will be able to analyze the causes of the American Civil War” clearly states the expected outcome of instruction related to this historical event.
Clear and measurable learning intentions offer several key advantages. They guide instructional design, ensuring alignment between teaching activities and desired outcomes. This focus helps educators select appropriate assessments and provide targeted feedback, ultimately leading to improved student learning and achievement. Historically, the emphasis on explicitly stated learning outcomes emerged alongside movements for greater accountability and transparency in education.