Metaphor of Planning a Trip for Learning Outcomes

A response to the Misunderstood Activity
created by Alexandra Westelaken (@idesigner.communityzone)

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As an instructional designer, writing good learning outcomes is a big sticking point with clients and faculty. I could compare not having solid and clear learning outcomes to trying to go on a roadtrip with no destination planned. Of course, that has potential to be a really fun, spontaneous trip, but it also could wind up being meandering and aimless, and all parties disappointed with where it ends up.

As with any good road trip, starting with the final destination when making plans is crucial, and then you can fill in the details of how you’re going to get there and what will need to happen along the way. This applies also to designing learning outcomes — unless those are clear and measurable, you can’t even begin to plan along the way!

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