Formulating Action Steps

What is an action step?

• Action Steps identify the process(es) that will lead to the intended learning outcome.
  
• Action Steps must:
  1) specify an action(s) taken by a student to fulfill a specific outcome.
  2) be reasonable within the context and timeframe of the course.
  
• Actions Steps can:
  1) be process-oriented (i.e., students will receive …; students will develop … ).
  2) provide additional clarification of a learning outcome.

Examples:

Student Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate knowledge of one or more disciplinary approaches to issues of cultural variation.
Possible Action Step: Students will collect, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and argument related to cultural variation from a range of sources specific to a disciplinary tradition.

Student Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate historical discourse.
Possible Action Step: Students will identify and reflect upon the major institutions, movements, ideas, or values that influence narratives of the past.

Student Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to develop informed judgments about global issues.
Possible Action Step: Students will explore the real and potential consequences of natural, ideological, or social forces that operate on a global scale.

Student Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate critical awareness that problem-solving in the global community requires the integration of a variety of perspectives.
Possible Action Step: Students will examine in depth a particular global trend, issue or opportunity and formulate a reasonable response to it utilizing a combination of strategies and resources from various fields.