What is the difference between a learning objective and a learning outcome?
When used in the context of assessment, learning goal and learning outcome are usually synonymous, but more general than learning objective. A learning goal may be very general. For example, a learning goal of the mathematics major might be that graduates will be able to apply mathematics to solve real world problems. In order to measure progress toward that goal and to design curricular strategies for achieving the goal, objectives need to be developed. One such objective might be to use definite integrals to model real world problems. That objective might be reached early in the mathematics major, and would be a step along the way to reaching the general goal. Goal, objective, and outcome are used in different ways in different contexts and by different people. Consequently, making precise distinctions is difficult.
