Negotiating PLOs for Non-Traditional Programs: Facilitating Positive, Productive Discussions with Diverse Groups


*Extended 90-minute presentation

In recent years, many higher education institutions have started to offer innovative programs that are different from the traditional four-year undergraduate degree, as well as a wider array of program structures at the graduate level. These programs, such as laddered programs, micro-credentials, and/or programs embedded within existing degree structures, offer exciting challenges and opportunities regarding writing program learning outcomes. As an added layer of complexity, some programs are transdisciplinary and require collaboration with a variety of different disciplines and groups.

In this session we will showcase three different examples of learning outcomes from programs that are either laddered, or related to one another in some way. The first two examples will be from a Canadian U15 institution. Example one will be at the graduate level, progressing from certificate to diploma and then Master’s degree. Example two will show learning outcomes from a transdisciplinary undergraduate certificate that is embedded within existing degrees. The third example will be from a small liberal arts university in the United States, describing how the learning outcomes were derived for an interdisciplinary Neuroscience program.

For each example, we will list the PLOs and discuss the approach taken to writing them. We will then draw upon the examples to provide suggestions for engaging diverse groups of people in positive, productive, and meaningful ways to write PLOs, then break into small groups for participant discussion.

Participants will be engaged in the session through discussion about the following questions: What non-traditional programs do you have and what is your approach to writing PLOs for them? Which strategies resonate with you when working with diverse groups on writing PLOs? What additional strategies do you have for working with diverse groups? There will be a Q&A at the end.

By the end of the session, participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Examine the structure of PLOs for laddered and embedded programs
  • Gain strategies for working with transdisciplinary groups that are writing PLOs
  • Share strategies and experiences with other participants in the session.
Back to top