Assessment of Student Learning - Minnesota State University Moorhead

Action Verbs for Student Learning Outcomes

This chart can be a helpful starting point for programs developing or revising student learning outcomes. An outcome should start with an action verb that suggests a particular measurement method. For instance:

An outcome starting with the verb “list” could be measured by an examine question in which the students produce a list of desired knowledge or skills they have learned.
An outcome starting with the verb “demonstrate” suggests that students would have to perform some kind of demonstration of a skill they have learned (e.g. a scientific experiment, acting skill, or artistic technique.)

This list is not exhaustive, but is designed to initiate discussion about learning outcomes.

Knowledge	Comprehension	Application	Analysis	Synthesis	Evaluation
define	describe	apply	analyze	arrange	appraise
list	discuss	demonstrate	appraise	assemble	assess
name	explain	dramatize	calculate	collect	choose
recall	express	employ	categorize	compose	compare
record	depict	illustrate	criticize	construct	estimate
relate	locate	interpret	debate	create	evaluate
underline	recognize	operate	diagram	design	judge
label	report	practice	differentiate	formulate	measure
quote	restate	schedule	distinguish	manage	rate
locate	review	sketch	examine	organize	revise
match	translate	use	experiment	plan	score
cite			inspect	prepare	select
reproduce			question	propose	value
identify			relate	combine	defend
state			solve	integrate	justify
			test
			classify