Welcome back to our series on formative assessment techniques, where we explore powerful strategies to elevate teaching and learning.
Last week, we reimagined Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) as diagnostic tools for uncovering misconceptions and guiding real-time teaching adjustments. This week, we’re taking a step back to look at the foundation of effective formative assessment: Measurable Learning Outcomes (MLOs).
MLOs are the roadmap that aligns your teaching with clear, actionable goals for student learning. By defining what success looks like, MLOs ensure your assessments—whether MCQs, hinge questions, or graphic organizers—are purposeful and aligned.
What Are Measurable Learning Outcomes?
MLOs define the “what” of learning. They specify what students should know, understand, or be able to do by the end of a lesson or unit.
A well-crafted MLO is:
- Clear: It uses language that is specific and accessible.
- Actionable: It focuses on observable and measurable behaviors.
- Aligned: It connects directly to the curriculum and learning objectives.
Example of a Weak Outcome: Students will understand photosynthesis.
Example of a Strong MLO: Students will explain the role of sunlight in photosynthesis and create a diagram illustrating the process.
Notice how the strong MLO is specific, measurable, and actionable.
The Role of MLOs in Formative Assessment
MLOs are the foundation for all formative techniques. They:
- Guide Assessment Design: Every question or activity you create, from MCQs to hinge questions, should align with your MLOs.
- Provide Clarity: Students and teachers alike benefit from knowing exactly what success looks like.
- Support Reflection: Clear outcomes help you evaluate whether your teaching is hitting the mark.
How MLOs Connect to MCQs
Remember last week’s MCQs? A diagnostic MCQ only works if it’s tied to a clear MLO. For example:
- MLO: Students will analyze how altitude affects boiling points.
- MCQ: Why does the boiling point of water decrease at higher altitudes?
By aligning the question with the outcome, you ensure your assessment is purposeful and targeted.
Crafting Your Own MLOs
Here’s a quick formula to create strong MLOs:
- Verb: Choose an action verb from Bloom’s Taxonomy (e.g., explain, compare, create).
- Content: Specify the knowledge or skill.
- Criteria: Describe how success will be measured.
Example: Students will compare the effects of two types of exercise on heart rate using a bar graph.
Take On Our Week Two Challenge
Challenge: Write a measurable learning outcome for an upcoming lesson. Use it to guide your teaching and reflect on whether students achieve the desired outcome.
Need help? Download our free MLO Creation Toolkit to guide you step-by-step in crafting effective learning outcomes.
