What does outcome evaluation determine?

Outcome evaluation specifically assesses what students have learned and retained following instruction. This process helps educators understand the extent to which the instructional goals were met and what knowledge students have acquired as a result of the teaching efforts. By focusing on the understanding and retention of material, outcome evaluation informs educators about the command students have over the subject matter, which is crucial for measuring the success of the educational program.

On the other hand, assessing what students need to improve or their participation in class does not directly measure learning outcomes. While evaluating the effectiveness of teaching methods may provide insights into instructional practices, it does not solely focus on the students’ knowledge. Consequently, the focus of outcome evaluation aligns closely with understanding students' comprehension and mastery of the material taught.