How can you align learning outcomes with global standards?

1 What are global standards?

Global standards are benchmarks or criteria that define the quality and relevance of education in a global context. They can be derived from various sources, such as international organizations, professional associations, accreditation bodies, or peer-reviewed research. Global standards can cover different aspects of education, such as curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, learning outcomes, skills, competencies, values, or ethics. Some examples of global standards are the UNESCO Global Citizenship Education Framework, the OECD Key Competencies for Lifelong Learning, or the Tuning Project for Higher Education.

2 Why align learning outcomes with global standards?

Aligning learning outcomes with global standards can bring several benefits for your institution, your students, and your stakeholders. First, it can enhance the quality and credibility of your education by ensuring that it meets the expectations and requirements of the global market and society. Second, it can foster the development of global competencies and citizenship among your students, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of a complex and interdependent world. Third, it can facilitate the recognition and transferability of your qualifications and credits across countries and regions, increasing the mobility and employability of your graduates.

3 How to align learning outcomes with global standards?

Aligning learning outcomes with global standards requires a tailored approach, as different contexts and disciplines may have different needs and priorities. To help guide this process, you should identify the relevant global standards for your field or program, analyze the gaps and overlaps between your current learning outcomes and the global standards, revise or develop your learning outcomes to align them with the global standards, and align your curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment with your learning outcomes. Consulting existing frameworks, guidelines, or indicators from reputable sources can be beneficial in this process, as can conducting a benchmarking analysis with comparable institutions or programs. Additionally, mapping or alignment tools such as matrices or rubrics can be useful for comparing and contrasting the level and scope of your learning outcomes with the global standards. Furthermore, a learning outcome statement template such as the ABCD model (Audience, Behavior, Condition, Degree) can help ensure that your learning outcomes are clear, measurable, and achievable. Finally, a backward design model such as Wiggins and McTighe's (Identify desired results, Determine acceptable evidence, Plan learning experiences and instruction) can ensure that teaching and learning activities and assessment methods are aligned with your learning outcomes and global standards.

4 How to assess learning outcomes aligned with global standards?

Assessing learning outcomes aligned with global standards can be challenging, as they require complex and multidimensional skills and competencies that are not easily measured by traditional tests or grades. To assist you in this process, there are several strategies and tools available, such as authentic and performance-based assessment methods like portfolios, projects, simulations, case studies, or presentations. Rubrics or criteria-based assessment methods like checklists, scales, or descriptors can also define the levels and indicators of achievement for each learning outcome and global standard. Additionally, formative and summative assessment methods like feedback, self-assessment, peer-assessment, or external evaluation can provide ongoing and comprehensive information about the students' progress. Finally, digital and online assessment tools such as e-portfolios, e-assessment, or e-badges enable the collection, storage, and sharing of evidence of learning outcomes and global standards.

5 How to communicate and showcase learning outcomes aligned with global standards?

Communicating and showcasing learning outcomes aligned with global standards can help promote and celebrate your institution's achievements and impact, as well as your students' learning and development. To do this, use clear and consistent language and terminology to describe learning outcomes and global standards across documents, such as course outlines, syllabi, transcripts, or certificates. Additionally, use visual and interactive formats to display learning outcomes and global standards, like diagrams, charts, graphs, or infographics. Stories and narratives can also be used to illustrate learning outcomes and global standards, such as testimonials, case studies, or success stories. Finally, utilize social media and digital platforms to share learning outcomes and global standards in the form of blogs, podcasts, videos, or webinars that reach a wider audience.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?