Course objectives and Outcomes

Objective - A course objective describes what a faculty member will cover in a course. They are generally less broader than desirable goals and more broader than student learning outcomes.

Outcome - A detailed description of what a student must be able to do at the conclusion of a course.

We generally map the objective to the outcomes to analyse and document their attainment. An objective is more like a plan, or a road map to reach/attain the outcomes.

Course objectives and Outcomes

Deciding outcomes for academic achievements and it's attainment for assessment and formulation is based on a learning theory called Outcome Based Education(OBE).

OBE is an educational theory that bases each part of an educational system around goals (outcomes). By the end of the educational experience, each student should have achieved the goal. There is no single specified style of teaching or assessment in OBE; instead, classes, opportunities, and assessments should all help students achieve the specified outcomes. The role of the faculty adapts into instructor, trainer, facilitator, and/or mentor based on the outcomes targeted.

The accreditation and regulatory organisations including NAAC, AICTE etc. has clearly made their intentions clear about introducing a skill-based, competency nurturing learning experience. Many new regulations and changes in the Indian educational front are in regard of this. As of the NBA, their accreditation methods and assessment parameters are based on OBE, and would only relate more to the core concept as time goes. In the words of NBA.

Outcome based education emphasizes on

1. Stating what you want your students to be able to do at the end of the program
2. Assessing the students whether they are able to do what they are expected to do to do what they are expected to do
3. Orienting teaching and other academic processes to facilitate students to do what they are expected to do.

Now remember, these are different from your course objectives. We'll look more closely into this while we discuss Course Outcomes (COs).

Program Outcomes (POs)

POs are statements about the knowledge, skills and attitudes (attributes) the graduate of a formal engineering program should have. POs deal with the general aspect of graduation for a particular program, and the competencies and expertise a graduate will possess after completion of the program.

The Program Outcomes set by the institution must reflect on these.

Graduate Attributes

Graduates will be able to:

1. Apply the knowledge of the subjects they taught.
2. Problem analysis: Identify, formulate, review research literature, and analyze complex engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions .
3. Design/development of solutions: Design solutions with appropriate consideration for the public health and safety, and the cultural, societal, and environmental considerations.
4. Conduct investigations of complex problems: Use research-based knowledge and research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis of the information to provide valid conclusions.
5. Modern tool usage: Create, select, and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering and IT tools including prediction and modelling to complex activities with an understanding of the limitations.
6. Environment and sustainability: Understand the impact of the professional engineering solutions in societal and environmental contexts, and demonstrate the knowledge of, and need for sustainable development.
7. Ethics: Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of the society.
8. Individual and team work: work: Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader in diverse teams, and in multidisciplinary settings.
9. Communication: Communicate effectively .
10. Project management and finance: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a team, to manage projects and in multidisciplinary environments.
11. Lifelong learning: Recognize the need for, and have the preparation and ability to engage in independent and life-long learning in the broadest context of technological change.

Course Outcomes (COs)

POs are attained through program specific Core Courses, which has their own previously set outcomes to attain. These course-specific outcomes are called Course Outcomes. Each course is designed to meet (about 5-6) Course Outcomes Course Outcomes. The Course Outcomes are stated in such a way that they can be actually measured.

COs are set by the institution, by consulting with the department heads, faculty, students and other stakeholders.

For example a course such as CBCS might have the following course outcomes set.

• Understanding the language.
• Able to make a detailed book review
• Able to reseasrch
• Good performance in job based examinations.
• Design of a research tool or lesson plan.

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)

Program Educational Objectives (PEO) are statements that describe the career and professional accomplishments that the program is preparing the graduates to achieve. PEO's are measured 4-5 years after graduation.

They are set in order to measure the effectiveness of the program, and to check whether it has prepared the students to deal with the real world, where they could apply and use the skills and knowledge they've learned to good use.

They are set in order to measure the effectiveness of the program, and to check whether it has prepared the students to deal with the real world, where they could apply and use the skills and knowledge they've learned to good use.
(National Board of Accreditation)

CO Attainment

• The assessments should be in alignment with the COs
• Question paper should be so set to assess all COs
• The average marks obtained in assessments against items for each CO will indicate the CO attainment
• Instructors can set targets for each CO of his/her course
• Attainment gaps can therefore be identified
• Instructor can plan to reduce the attainment gaps or enhance attainment targets enhance attainment targets
• If the assessment is in alignment with COs, the performance of the students indicates the CO attainment

All POs can be adequately addressed through the selection of core courses and their COs. These measurements provide the basis for continuous improvement in the quality of learning, which the NBA ultimately aims.

To conclude…

These outcomes are more like signboards and roadmaps to help the learners reach where they're supposed to reach, and contribute to progress.