Setup > Curriculum Map > PLOs
Program learning outcomes (PLOs) are clear and concise statements that outline the specific knowledge, skills, abilities, or attributes that students are expected to acquire upon completing an educational program or course of study.
These outcomes serve as a guide for curriculum development, instructional design, and assessment strategies within the program. PLOs help educators and students understand the intended educational impact of the program and provide a framework for evaluating students' progress and success.
Insights offers institutions the ability to enter PLOs manually, or upload them from a CSV file.
From the Setup screen, go to Curriculum Map and click PLOs.
If you are an Assessment Coordinator, you will need to select the Organizational Structure from the dropdown.
If you are a Program Coordinator, you will only see the department where your program resides.
NOTE: Prior to adding PLOs into Insights, your institution's organizational structure must be completed. Choose the Click Here link on screen to complete this or go to Setup > Institutional Organization > Organizational Structure.
Select an Organizational Structure from the dropdown to view PLO/Program Standards shared across programs.
Select a Department to view PLOs specific to individual programs.
Click the right chevron arrow (>) to expand the view.
You can choose to + Add PLO, + Add Category or Upload PLOs.
Manually Add PLOs
Click the button + Add PLO in the selected organizational structure.
On the screen, a category tile displays and by default, the tile is Uncategorized (this can be changed/customized and is instructions are below.)
- Enter Outcome Name: hover over the text and the field is editable; type the outcome name (example: Written Communication).
- Enter Outcome Statement: hover over the text and the field is editable; type the outcome statement here. (example: Student demonstrates a thorough understanding of context, audience, and purpose that is responsive to the assigned task(s) and focuses all elements of the work.)
Upload PLOs using a CSV file
In the program/department structure tile, click the button Upload ILOs.
The window to Upload Program Learning Outcomes displays. Click the link to Download an example CSV file.
CSV File Upload Preparation
Open the template and follow the steps below to prepare the CSV file for upload of your PLOs. Columns B, C, and D will require your input.
Save the file (in a CSV format) and then drag and drop the CSV file into the dotted window; or, click in the dotted window to browse your computer and locate the file to upload. Then click Submit. A confirmation message displays: Program Learning Outcomes successfully uploaded.
Refresh the browser and the uploaded outcomes will be listed inside a new Uncategorized tile. Click + Add Category (follow the steps below to add/create a category).
Add Category
Within the Uncategorized section, click + Add Category.
In the modal window Add PLO Category, the uploaded outcomes will be listed on the left under Select Outcome(s). Enter a Category Name, Category Description and check the box to the left of the outcomes that should appear in this category. Then Save.
Review the Categorization Examples shown below to determine the best option for setting up and categorizing PLOs at your institution.
Categorization Examples:
Option 1: All PLOs in single category
Category = Greenville College PLOs
Outcome Name = Written Communication
Outcome Statement = Student communicates an expression of ideas in writing that is responsive to the assigned task(s) and focuses all elements of the work.
Outcome Name = Oral Communication
Outcome Statement = Student effectively uses delivery techniques to make compelling presentations.
Outcome Name = Critical Thinking
Outcome Statement = Student clearly states and describes comprehensively the issue/problem to be considered critically, delivering all relevant information necessary for full understanding.
Option 2: Each PLO is its own category
Category = PLO 1 Written Communication
Outcome Name = Written Communication
Outcome Statement = Student communicates an expression of ideas in writing that is responsive to the assigned task(s) and focuses all elements of the work.
Category = PLO 2 Oral Communication
Outcome Name = Oral Communication
Outcome Statement = Student effectively uses delivery techniques to make compelling presentations.
Category = PLO 3 Critical Thinking
Outcome Name = Critical Thinking
Outcome Statement = Student clearly states and describes comprehensively the issue/problem to be considered critically, delivering all relevant information necessary for full understanding.
Option 3: Multiple PLO categories with relevant PLOs in each category
Category = PLO 1 Written Communication
Outcome Name = PLO 1a: Context of and Purpose for Writing
Outcome Statement = Student demonstrates a thorough understanding of context, audience, and purpose that is responsive to the assigned task(s) and focuses all elements of the work.
Outcome Name = PLO 1b: Content Development
Outcome Statement = Students use appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to illustrate competency of the subject, conveying the writer's understanding, and shaping the whole work.
Outcome Name = PLO 1c: Genre and Disciplinary Conventions
Outcome Statement = Students demonstrate detailed attention to and successful execution of a wide range of conventions particular to a specific discipline and/or writing task(s) including organization, content, presentation, formatting, and stylistic choices.
Category = PLO 2 Oral Communication
Outcome Name = PLO 2a: Organization
Outcome Statement = Student demonstrates organizational pattern (specific introduction and conclusion, sequenced material within the body, and transitions) that is clearly and consistently observable and makes the content of the presentation cohesive.
Outcome Name = PLO 2b: Language
Outcome Statement = Student uses language choices that are imaginative, memorable, compelling, and enhance the effectiveness of the presentation. Language in presentation is appropriate to the audience.
Outcome Name = PLO 2c: Delivery
Outcome Statement = Student uses delivery techniques (posture, gesture, eye contact, and vocal expressiveness) to make the presentation compelling and polished.
Category = PLO 3 Critical Thinking
Outcome Name = PLO 3a: Explanation of Issues
Outcome Statement = Student clearly states and describes comprehensively the issue/problem to be considered critically, delivering all relevant information necessary for full understanding.
Outcome Name = PLO 3b: Evidence
Outcome Statement = Student demonstrates the information taken from source(s) with enough interpretation/evaluation to develop a comprehensive analysis or synthesis.
Outcome Name = PLO 3c: Influence of Context and Assumptions
Outcome Statement = Student analyzes own and others’ assumptions thoroughly (systematically and methodically) and carefully evaluates the relevance of contexts when presenting a position.
Edit or Delete an Outcome
To edit an outcome, select the pencil icon and the field will become editable.
To remove an outcome, click the trash icon and then confirm the action by selecting Yes or No. A confirmation window displays if the item was deleted.