In a previous post, I offered a detailed guide on using the “Verbs for Significant Learning Outcomes” framework. However, I find that many people benefit from concrete examples, particularly when it comes to the deeper learning experiences—the “yellow” ones related to the human dimension, caring, and learning how to learn.

As a case study, let’s use the “Unfinished Revolutions” theme from the Making History at 250: The Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial:

In the United States, the fight for liberty, equality, and justice has a long and complex history. Through formal politics, grassroots organizing, boycott, protest, litigation, war, and a wide range of other mass and individual actions, people have continually challenged America to live up to our highest ideals—often drawing on ideas expressed in our founding documents. Before, during, and after the Revolution, people have fought for their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and worked tirelessly to secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and their posterity. This history is not a consistent march of progress, but a complex story full of both advancements and setbacks. These stories reveal the ways the Revolution began before 1776 and reverberates through to the present.

Examples of Outcomes

Some potential outcomes for adults during a two-hour visit to a history museum or historic site based on the Unfinished Revolutions theme are:

Foundational Knowledge

1. Visitors will identify three key figures and three pivotal events in U.S. history that significantly contributed to the fight for liberty, equality, and justice.

2. Visitors will describe two core principles from the U.S. founding documents and their influence on major social justice movements.

3. Visitors will define and contextualize three essential terms related to equality and fairness, such as civil rights, freedom, and suffrage.

Application

1. Visitors will apply historical analysis to evaluate the impact of one social movement on U.S. legislation during the tour.

2. Visitors will use a case study presented in the exhibition to highlight how a specific movement used protest and grassroots organizing to achieve its objectives.

3. Visitors will outline the evolution of a specific civil rights issue, using documents and objects in the exhibition. [Outline is a variant of use or do]

Integration

1. Visitors will integrate historical and contemporary perspectives presented in the exhibition to assess the continuity and transformation in the struggle for equality and fairness.

2. Visitors will synthesize information from primary and secondary sources available in the exhibition to construct a brief narrative on the quest for equality across different periods.

3. Visitors will connect the experiences of two marginalized groups, examining how their struggles intersected and influenced each other.

Human Dimension

1. Visitors will reflect on the personal experiences of two activists featured in the exhibits and consider how their backgrounds shaped their involvement in social movements.

2. Visitors will express how understanding the history of social movements can inform their roles and responsibilities as active citizens.

3. Visitors will empathize withthe emotional and psychological challenges faced by individuals and communities in their pursuit of rights and freedoms, as highlighted in specific exhibition sections.

Caring

1. Visitors will be encouraged by the sacrifices and contributions made by individuals and groups in the pursuit of justice and equality, through engaging with personal stories and artifacts.

2. Visitors will be motivated to learn more about ongoing social issues, particularly those that resonate with their personal values and experiences.

3. Visitors will support contemporary social causes by participating in museum-provided opportunities, such as signing up for volunteer activities or donating to relevant organizations

Learning How to Learn

1. Visitors will critically assess historical sources and their reliability, using examples provided in the exhibits.

2. Visitors will plan personal learning goals related to understanding the history and ongoing issues of social justice, with opportunities to record these goals during the visit.

3. Visitors will explore a variety of research methods, including primary source analysis and oral histories, demonstrated within the exhibits.

Overcoming Challenges in Writing Learning Outcomes

As you develop learning outcomes for your tours, exhibitions, or programs, you’ll likely face some challenges. Here are the most common ones I encounter and strategies for overcoming them:

1. Perfection: Writing outcomes is an iterative process, so expect to revise them after implementation. Focus on creating clear and understandable versions that communicate your goals effectively. Avoid getting bogged down in perfect wording; the real test of an outcome’s effectiveness is how well it functions in practice. Be prepared to adjust based on feedback and experience (just watch out for “planning creep”!). 

2. Missing Metrics: A common hesitation is the belief that certain outcomes are too difficult to measure. However, if an outcome can be observed or heard, it can be evaluated (evaluation can be both quantitative and qualitative). For instance, you can observe visitors’ interactions or conduct interviews to assess their understanding and reactions. If you’re uncertain about measuring intangible aspects, consider reading How to Measure Anything by Douglas Hubbard, which offers practical advice on evaluating even the seemingly immeasurable.

3. Achievable or Ambitious?: Crafting good learning outcomes takes practice and a deep understanding of your audience. It’s essential to set realistic and appropriate expectations. Often, outcomes need to be calibrated to align your museum’s mission, vision, and capacity with the motivations, interests, and needs of your specific audience.  Avoid targeting the “general public”—this category is too broad to be useful. Focus on clearly defined groups for more accurate targeting and effective outcomes.

4. Less is More: Resist the temptation to overload your program or activity with too many goals. Aim for no more than five outcomes, with three being ideal. This focus ensures clarity and prioritizes the most important objectives. A one-hour tour, for example, cannot cover everything—decide what’s most crucial and concentrate on delivering that content effectively.

Creating learning outcomes can seem daunting at first, but remember, it’s a journey of discovery and growth. Don’t worry if you don’t get everything perfect on the first try. The process is all about refining your goals and learning from each experience. Think of it as a creative collaboration between you and your visitors. By staying flexible and open to feedback, you can craft outcomes that not only enhance your programs but also create memorable and meaningful experiences for everyone involved. You’ve got this—let’s make history together, one learning outcome at a time!