Writing Strong Student Learning Outcomes

Strong Student Learning Outcomes clearly describe what students should be able to demonstrate, apply, analyze, create, evaluate, or perform by the end of a course, program, or learning experience.

A strong SLO is student-centered, measurable, connected to course content, and written with an observable action verb. Faculty may use ACUE-aligned verbs, Bloom’s Taxonomy, or discipline-specific outcome language to support clear, assessable outcomes that reflect the level of learning expected in the course.

Strong SLOs help students understand what they are expected to learn and help faculty assess learning in a consistent and meaningful way.

Here are a few resources for your referrence: 

ACUE Action Verbs by Cognitive Level

Equity-Minded SLO Writing
  • Use clear and transparent language
  • Connect learning to real-world, community, transfer, or career contexts
  • Allow students to demonstrate learning through meaningful and relevant assessments
  • Reflect inclusive practices, diverse perspectives, or culturally responsive learning where appropriate
  • Support students in developing academic, professional, and personal agency


This does not mean every SLO must include equity language. Instead, faculty should consider whether the outcome creates meaningful opportunities for all students to demonstrate learning.

Writing strong SLOs helps faculty clarify expectations, assess learning more effectively, and use results to improve courses and programs. Strong SLOs also help students understand what they are expected to learn and why that learning matters.