History Subject Planning Guidelines - Scoilnet

Section 2Clarifying learning outcomesWhy?Learning outcomes derive from the aims and objectives of a syllabus and haveimplications for the manner in which different parts of the syllabus should be taught.Since one of the keys to effective teaching is the use of a range of methodologies,learning outcomes are useful in guiding teachers as to the type of methodologies that areappropriate to the teaching of different parts of the syllabus.Learning outcomes also have implications for the manner in which the different syllabustopics are to be examined. The aims and objectives set out the targets that the teacherendeavours to reach with her/his pupils: the learning outcomes set out what the student isexpected to know and/or be able to do at the end of the course of learning and, therefore,the basis on which the student will be assessed through the written examination and/orother assessment instruments.The Junior Certificate syllabus as implemented in schools from September 1989 had nostated learning outcomes. A set of learning outcomes for each section of the syllabus willbe included in the re-balanced syllabus which is due to be implemented from September2009 or 2010. Since many of the learning outcomes in the re-balanced syllabus arerelevant to the syllabus as it currently stands, teachers may wish to consult the learningoutcomes which are available online athttp://www.ncca.ie/uploadedfiles/Junior%20Cycle%20Review/History_syll(2).pdfWhat are ‘learning outcomes’?Learning outcomes are statements describing what students are expected to know,understand and/or be able to do at the end of a particular course of study. As well asguiding the teaching and learning that takes place in the classroom, they also serve toidentify the bases on which the external, summative assessment of the student’s learningwill take place.© 2008 History In-Service Team [HIST] - 5 -