Designing Descriptors of Learning Outcomes for Higher Education Qualification

Abstract

Learning outcomes represent one of the essential building blocks for transparency within higher education systems and qualifications. All aspects of their application were examined in the context of Bologna developments. Learning outcomes have been defined as: statements of what a learner is expected to know, understand and/or be able to do at the end of a period oflearning. A key element in contemporary qualifications frameworks is the specification of learning outcomes. The range of outcomes can be categorised and specified in various ways. Traditionally higher education was relatively explicit about theknowledge (outcomes) to be achieved, or at least the knowledge covered by the curriculum. The qualification descriptor represents a description or measurable indicator of learning outcomes and achievements for which the student has been assessed and which the student should be able to demonstrate for the qualification that is awarded. he specifics in the design of descriptors for different levels of qualifications for higher education are explained in detail in this paper.