The Medical Education Department at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) recently organised a workshop titled “Writing Specific Learning Outcomes” as part of the Educational Skills Development Programme for academic staff. Prof. Hany Atwa, Head of the Department, emphasised the importance of learning outcomes in enhancing the quality of medical education, viewing them as a fundamental tool to ensure curriculum alignment with labour market needs and ongoing developments in the medical field.  

During the opening of the workshop, Dr Atwa stated: “At the Arabian Gulf University, we believe that enhancing the skills of faculty members in this area will have a direct positive impact on the quality of education we provide.” He added that precisely formulated learning outcomes significantly affect students’ ability to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts, hence better preparing them for their professional futures. Subsequently, he conducted an interactive lecture on competency frameworks, covering various domains, competencies and learning outcomes at different levels.  

As part of the training, Dr Archana Kumar, Associate Professor in the Medical Education Department, delivered a lecture on the principles of formulating specific learning outcomes. She remarked: “The formulation of learning outcomes is an essential part of the academic development process. Through these workshops, we help faculty understand how to construct effective learning outcomes that contribute to enhancing the educational experience for students.”  

The training incorporated lectures and practical applications, where academic staff engaged in interactive activities and training papers under the guidance of the facilitating professors. Participants in the workshop regarded this initiative as a beneficial opportunity to develop their skills in formulating learning outcomes. They were able to exchange ideas with colleagues and receive valuable feedback, which assisted them in improving their skills in this area and applying what they learned practically, thereby enhancing their ability to design educational programmes in line with global standards.  

The workshop concluded with a review and feedback session, during which participants discussed the learning outcomes they had formulated, reinforcing their understanding of the importance of aligning learning outcomes with the goals of academic programmes. The workshop received commendations from faculty participants, who highlighted its significance in curriculum development and enriching the learning experience for students. They also recognised the need for continued initiatives of this nature to strengthen competency-based educational practices.