Difference between revisions of "Outcomes"

{{Term|OUTCOMES|Statements of '''benefits for learners''' during or after their participation to a program of formal or [[Informal Education|informal education]]. Generally they relate to [[Knowledge|knowledge]] or skills gained, attitudes, values, or behaviors changed, or condition or status improved. Also referred to the learning outcomes, they differ from [[Learning Objectives|learning objectives]] in the fact that objectives are statements of intent rather than actual results. Outcomes are not always related to a change, since they refer to the effect of an activity or work, also in terms of keeping or preventing a situation. The term "outcome" must be clearly distinguished from "inputs", "outputs" and "impact". Inputs describe the resources needed to deliver some outputs, which are the products gained from a project or a work. While outcome is the '''direct result of the outputs''', impact involves a higher and broader level. Information on the outcomes is important, because can be useful for the organization in order to make its work more effective, by pointing out successes and failures. Paying attention to the outcomes also demonstrates that the organization can learn from its experience and improve its performance. Moreover, the staff can be motivated when they see evidence of the outcomes their work has. <ref>[http://www.bota.org www.bota.org ](11 July 2008), [http://www.montgomerycollege.edu www.montgomerycollege.edu ](11 July 2008)</ref>}}