C stands for Criterion
Using this format we might say: (A) After reading Chapter 8 in the text, the student will be able to (B)
summarize in writing the principle of supply and demand, giving an example not presented in the
book, (C) with at least 90% accuracy.
The antecedent then is the learning activity, the behavior is the skill or knowledge being
demonstrated, and the criterion is the degree of acceptable performance.
In practice, the criterion is rarely explicitly stated in higher education outcomes since grading
standards are set for the entire course and posted separately on the syllabus. A more useful way to
write outcomes may be to add how you will measure success or, in other words, the assessment you
will use to measure learning. An example of this format would be: By the end of this unit on
Americans Divided, students will be able to explain the different ways Americans are divided by race,
class, gender, and sexuality by writing a midterm paper that summarizes how these divisions are
reflected in the movies.
Use the following template to help you write an appropriate learning outcome.