College Credit Hours and GPA Are Not Enough: American Military University Provost Encourages Educators to Embrace 'Learning Outcomes'
Given that all DETC schools are required to have an outcomes assessment plan and demonstrate annually that their learners are achieving the stated outcomes this is not surprising. It is nice to see them being recognized. Mary
Anyone who is involved in higher education (professor, teacher, curriculum designer) should be well aware of the fact that there are three determinants to achieving "learning outcomes". The graduates of any course or program are expected to demonstrate from each of the following domains: (1) psychomotor - doing skills (2) cognitive - thinking, knowledge (3) affective - feeling, attitudes The American Military University is placing the emphasis on learning outcomes for a number of reasons. First, most military colleges have been slow in responding to the changing needs of a diverse student population. Second, many self-directed learners are now challenging old education systems and as a result, the AMU is amending its policies and educational guidelines. Finally, the accrediting bodies of AMU are now focusing on learning outcomes as a way of measuring competency. The GPA doesn't guarantee that learners are competent in their respective fields. (there are many examples of those who have earned a high GPA but lack the psychomotor/cognitive skills for performing technical tasks) Standardized "learning outcomes" are more likely going to be the norm for this military university.
