Developing Outcomes

Developing Outcomes: What You Should Avoid

1) Embedding the solution in the outcome

A solution is a resource/item/activity needed to achieve the goal. When outcomes embed a solution, we restrict options for the student by pre-determining our expectation for him/her. This undermines the impact and possibilities which could be explored in FEM Step 5.

2) Not being specific enough in the outcome

An outcome is the WHAT, not the HOW. Outcomes that are too vague, overly generic or lacking in context are not specific enough outcomes. Specificity is crucial because when the outcome is written in a vague way, it is challenging to determine what everyone should do and achieve.

3) Not linking the outcome with what matters to the person

We need to make sure that we link the outcome with what is important for/to the student. Not considering what matters for/to the student can result in outcomes that are deficit-focussed rather than strengths-focussed and reduces the impact on him/her.

4) Using jargon or service speak

Jargon/service speak refers to specialised or technical language which can only be understood by service professionals. When an outcome is written in this way, it excludes non-professionals and the student from participating in the exercise of developing outcomes.