Stem statements Using measurable verbs, outline the performance expected of a student by a certain point in time. Examples: “By the end of this semester, students should write a 5 page literary analysis of El Principito (by Antoine de Saint-Exupyin) in spanish.” “After completing this lesson, students are expected to be able to write a trochee.” Key action words Include these measurable verbs according to the level of learning your students aim to achieve. Levels according to Bloom’s Taxonomy: Knowledge * List, recite, define, name, identify Comprehension * Explain, discuss, paraphrase, restate Application * Calculate, predict, illustrate, apply Analysis * Categorize, analyze, diagram, illustrate Synthesis * Design, forumate, build, invent, create, conjure, produce Evaluation * Choose, relate, compare, contrast, argue, support Examples: “Identify specific environmental costs associated with different forms of energy and analyze the historical forces that caused shifts in energy production and consumption.” "Explain the scientific principles behind “natural” disasters, including cyclonic weather, global climate change, volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, river flooding, famines, and diseases.” Outcomes Write what you expect students to do at the end of a lesson or course. Outcomes should be highly specific, measurable, action-oriented, reasonable, and time-bound. Ask yourself the following to help determine your outcome(s): * What do you expect students to be able to do? * What level of understanding do you expect them to have? * How will they show their understanding of certain concepts? * Do they need to apply learned concepts outside of the classroom to demonstrate their understanding? * What criteria are you using to evaluate your student(s)? * What would be a passing grade or appropriate demonstration of their understanding? Examples: “I expect students to be able to design a working model of an earthquake-proof building out of popsicle sticks by the end of this lesson. The buildings will be tested on a quake simulator during the last class of the month. Structures that remain at least 75% intact will receive a passing grade.” “By the end of this course, students are expected to produce a portfolio of original poetry. I will evaluate each portfolio based on originality, style, and use of learned devices. They should also be able to critically analyze and compare works of professional literary poetry from various genres and historical periods to distinguish approaches, poetic elements, and style. The last day of the course will involve an oral test for students to demonstrate their proficiency in critical analysis.”