Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) are statements of the overarching knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or values students should acquire in a course or program. These broad learning outcomes demonstrate core student understanding and application of a subject. When creating a new course or modifying an existing course, notice the following hierarchy:​

• The synthesis of objectives builds up to overarching course-level SLOs (CSLOs)​
• The synthesis of CSLOs builds up to overarching program-level SLOs (PSLOs)​
• The synthesis of CSLOs and PSLOs builds up to overarching institutional learning outcomes (ISLOs)​​

Differences Between SLOs and Objectives​

Narrow course objectives represent valuable tools, skills, or content that enable students to engage in a particular subject and assist them in building toward and supporting their achievement of broader course-level Student Learning Outcomes. The main difference between SLO statements and course objectives is that SLO statements demonstrate an overarching understanding or application of a core aspect of the course, while objectives are the small pieces of subject matter that build up to the broader SLOs.​​

SLOs VS Objectives​

• ADN11A SLO: Describe the nursing process as it relates to care of the adult patient.​
• ADN11A Objective:  Identify and discuss the components of the nursing process.​
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• BIO60 SLO: Identify all organizational levels of human anatomy and understand basic principles of physiology as it applies to homeostasis and disease control.​
• BIO60 Objective: Compare and contrast the four basic types of tissue.​
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• COMM10 SLO: Develop and demonstrate the process of effective public speaking by organizing, writing, and delivering oral presentations for various speech occasions.​
• COMM10 Objective: Explain the communication model by identifying how messages are sent and received within a public speaking context.​