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Course descriptions, course-level learning objectives (CLOs) and program-level learning outcomes (PLOs) are tools that can be used to selecting a specific course, a program (degree and certificate), or even a career path.
Course Descriptions give you a brief overview of the content and purpose of a college course.
Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs) represent the main knowledge and skill areas that you will demonstrate and be graded on when you complete a course. Although the course might include other content beyond the CLOs, they represent a common set of learning areas addressed and assessed in all sections of a given course.
Program-level Learning Outcomes (PLOs) represent the core knowledge and skill areas that you will develop throughout your courses in a program (i.e., a degree or certificate).
You will be able to demonstrate the CLOs and PLOs through various means, including tests, papers, projects, portfolios, internships, externships, and practica.
Here are some questions that frequently come up when students are choosing programs, specific courses, and even career paths:
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When choosing courses, why should I look at CLOs and PLOs instead of how many credits I need to graduate? |
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Credits quantify the contact hours and scope of the course but the CLOs and PLOs represent the learning and role of the course in your program. In other words, you are learning knowledge and skills, not credits. In the future, when you have the opportunity or need to demonstrate your learning, you will probably not refer to the number of credits you have earned. Instead, you are going to focus on the concepts, big ideas, and skills that you can bring to the table. The CLOs and PLOs can serve as a handy reminder of some of the core concepts and skills you have learned in your certificate or degree. |
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How can I choose which course fits best for my major? |
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In the past, you had to register for a course and attend the first day to find out the specific objectives for the course. Now, in the online academic catalog, you can see not only the course descriptions listed by department, but also the related CLOs. Having this information will help you choose the course that best suits your interests and program requirements. |
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Why do some courses count toward my major while others do not? |
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Courses are carefully chosen for each certificate and degree to help students learn not only the skills in their majors, but also additional skills and abilities that are necessary for educational and professional success The CLOs from each required course should connect with the PLOs for each major or program specialty. |
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My course just got cancelled. What do I do? |
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Go back to your program requirement sheet and figure out what learning requirements the cancelled course was going to meet. Are other courses listed in that learning area that you could take this quarter and then take the cancelled course another quarter if you will still need to do so? Or, could another course simply replace the cancelled course? Look for a list of course options you can choose from for this learning area. You might notice some common themes in the CLOs from courses in different areas. These commonalities represent multiple opportunities to learn varied applications of particular skills and knowledge. |
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Why don’t some courses transfer from other colleges to Edmonds CC? |
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In order for a course to transfer to Edmonds CC, it must have essentially the same learning objectives as the course that is taught here. Although course titles might be similar, the instructional content might be very different. If you think that the learning in both courses is similar, please see your adviser to discuss your concerns. |
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Will my courses transfer to another college or university? |
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Individual institutions determine which courses they will accept. However, Common Course Number (CCN) courses, indicated by an “&” after the course prefix, automatically transfer to all Washington State public colleges and universities. In addition, many colleges and universities have a Direct Transfer Agreement with Edmonds CC that lists the courses that will automatically transfer.
If you have additional questions about transfer courses, you can:
- see the institution-specific program requirement sheets available in the advising center or online (at the institution’s website),
- contact the transfer institutions directly or go to their websites for transfer information, and
- make an appointment with an Edmonds CC adviser for your program.
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How can I use Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs) and/or Program-level Learning Outcomes (PLOs) in my job searches? |
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The PLOs describe the overarching skills and competencies that prepare you for the next steps to enter the workforce or to advance in your current position. The business community has worked directly with Edmonds CC faculty to develop CLOs and PLOs.
When looking at job openings, you can use the CLOs and PLOs to match your skills with the job description and requirements.
You can use key terms and concepts from the CLOs and PLOs in your resumes and interviews to emphasize that you have the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for in job applicants.
In addition you may create a portfolios or other tool to show/demonstrate examples of how you have met the particular CLOs or PLOs.
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How can the CLOs and/or PLOs help when I am preparing to transfer to another college/university? |
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Knowing the CLOs and PLOs will help students choose a program of study that will match with the knowledge and skills they have developed and can build on in transfer-institution programs. In addition, in some programs, you may be able to utilize samples of work that demonstrates your proficiency. |
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What questions should I ask about CLOs and/or PLOs during my advising sessions with faculty or advisers? |
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You can make the best use of advising appointments by reviewing your program requirement sheets in advance and highlighting any questions you might have about how courses or programs support learning outcomes, certification or transfer requirements, and/or employment requirements. |
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