General Learner Outcomes: Essential Guide for Educators in 2025

Definition and scope in modern education

General Learner Outcomes are the overarching educational goals that transcend individual subjects and grade levels.

They focus on developing observable behaviors, attitudes, and skills that students need to become successful, well-rounded individuals in today's rapidly evolving world.

In 2025's educational landscape, GLOs have evolved to emphasize not just academic excellence but also social-emotional competencies, technological fluency, and lifelong learning capabilities.

These outcomes represent what students should be able to demonstrate through their daily activities and interactions – both inside and outside the classroom.

The scope of GLOs extends far beyond traditional academic measures, encompassing qualities like self-direction, community contribution, complex thinking, quality production, effective communication, and ethical technology use.

Major educational frameworks have formalized GLOs in various ways. For example, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program embeds these broader competencies in its IB Learner Profile, which outlines ten attributes central to developing globally-minded, critical thinkers. Similarly, while not explicitly labeled as GLOs, the Common Core State Standards incorporate broader competencies like critical thinking and effective communication that align perfectly with GLO principles.

Key differences from specific learning objectives

It's important to understand how GLOs differ from specific learning objectives (SLOs), as this distinction guides how we structure our educational approach.

Specific learning objectives are narrow, content-focused goals that describe what students should know or be able to do after a particular lesson or unit. They're measurable, immediate, and tied to specific subject matter.

GLOs, on the other hand, are broad, cross-curricular, and focused on long-term development. They don't just ask "What did the student learn today?" but rather "What kind of learner is this student becoming?"

While an SLO might state "Students will identify the major causes of World War II," a related GLO would focus on the student's ability to think critically about historical events and their connections to present-day situations.

SLOs change with each new topic or course, but GLOs remain consistent throughout a student's educational journey, spanning across subjects and grade levels.

This consistency makes GLOs powerful tools for creating educational coherence and ensuring holistic development throughout a student's academic career.

Role in holistic student development

GLOs play a crucial role in ensuring we're developing the whole student – not just their academic abilities.

By emphasizing skills like self-direction, effective communication, and community contribution, GLOs help students develop the personal qualities and social-emotional competencies they'll need for success in life and work.

This holistic student development recognizes that education isn't just about what students know, but about who they are becoming as people and learners.

In practice, this means creating learning environments that deliberately nurture these broader outcomes alongside academic content.

For example, a science teacher might incorporate collaboration on complex problems, requiring students to practice being community contributors while simultaneously learning about cellular biology.

GLOs also support the development of a growth mindset by focusing on skills and behaviors that can be developed over time, rather than fixed traits or abilities.

This approach helps students understand that with effort and practice, they can improve in all areas – from critical thinking to effective communication.

Research suggests that this holistic development pays off after graduation. Students who demonstrate strong GLO achievement tend to be more career-ready, with employers highly valuing competencies like critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. In fact, nearly two-thirds of employers now use skills-based hiring practices for entry-level positions, emphasizing the importance of these broader competencies. The focus on developing these broader skills prepares students for a rapidly changing work environment and supports lifelong learning capabilities.

Studies have shown that students with strong work ethics and above-average performance in elementary and middle school were more likely to earn higher degrees, make more money, and report greater life satisfaction later in life.

Importance in curriculum design and assessment

GLOs serve as the backbone of effective curriculum design and assessment strategies.

When designing curriculum, educators use GLOs to ensure that lessons and activities develop not just subject-specific knowledge, but also the broader competencies students need.

This integrated approach means that every learning experience becomes an opportunity to develop both content knowledge and essential life skills simultaneously.

For assessment, GLOs provide a framework for evaluating student growth beyond simple content mastery. Rather than focusing exclusively on whether students can recall information, GLO-based assessment looks at how students apply knowledge, collaborate with others, think critically, and communicate effectively.

• Curriculum Integration: GLOs should be woven throughout all subjects rather than taught in isolation, creating multiple opportunities for development and application.
• Assessment Approaches: Rubrics aligned with GLOs help teachers evaluate student progress in developing these broader competencies.
• Student Self-Assessment: GLOs provide a framework for students to reflect on their own growth and set meaningful goals.
• Program Evaluation: Institutions can use GLO achievement to evaluate the effectiveness of their overall educational approach.

Modern educational institutions are leveraging digital tools to track and assess GLO achievement more effectively. Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Canvas and Schoology offer comprehensive tools for tracking student progress on broader outcomes in real-time. Elementary schools often utilize platforms like Seesaw and FreshGrade for digital portfolios that document student growth on GLOs, while secondary schools might use tools like Bulb Digital to create professional portfolios that track long-term progress.

Best practices for GLO assessment include using pre- and post-evaluations to track progress, utilizing learning analytics dashboards to identify patterns and trends, and gathering feedback from all stakeholders to continuously improve assessment approaches.

By incorporating GLOs into both curriculum design and assessment practices, schools ensure that education remains focused on developing well-rounded individuals ready for the challenges of our rapidly changing world.

As we move further into 2025 and beyond, GLOs will continue to evolve to reflect the changing needs of society and the workforce, but their fundamental purpose – guiding the development of the whole student – remains constant.

Self-Directed Learner

The ability to take charge of one's learning journey is perhaps the most fundamental GLO, as it underpins all other educational achievements.

Self-directed learners don't wait for instructions—they proactively pursue knowledge with curiosity and determination.

In practical terms, this looks like students who:

• Set clear, achievable learning goals and create plans to reach them
• Monitor their own progress and adjust strategies when needed
• Reflect on their learning experiences to identify strengths and areas for improvement
• Demonstrate intrinsic motivation rather than relying on external rewards
• Come to class prepared and ready to participate

To foster this independence, try implementing learning journals where students regularly document their goals, progress, and reflections.

Project-based learning approaches also work brilliantly here, as they naturally require students to manage their time, resources, and learning processes.

Recent research has shown that students who develop strong self-directed learning skills perform significantly better academically and demonstrate higher levels of motivation than those in more traditional learning environments. Self-directed learning empowers students to lead their own educational journey, offering a personalized alternative to the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional education. Schools implementing self-directed learning as part of their GLO framework consistently report improved student engagement and academic outcomes.

Community Contributor

Education doesn't happen in isolation—it thrives in community.

Students who develop as community contributors understand their role within larger social contexts and learn to collaborate effectively with diverse groups.

Community contribution skills can be assessed through peer evaluations, collaborative project outcomes, and reflection on group dynamics after team activities.

Research shows strong family engagement is linked to increased student achievement, reduced absenteeism, and higher graduation rates when communities are actively involved in schools. Schools like Pearl Ridge Elementary in Hawaii have successfully integrated this GLO through specific programmes designed to foster community involvement and collaboration. Their approach includes service learning projects, collaborative problem-solving activities, and regular opportunities for students to contribute meaningfully to both the school and wider community environments.

Complex Thinker

In the age of AI and automation, complex thinking has become more valuable than ever.

This GLO focuses on developing students who can analyze situations from multiple perspectives, synthesize information from diverse sources, and generate creative solutions to complex problems.

A complex thinker demonstrates:

• Critical analysis skills—identifying assumptions, evaluating evidence, and recognizing bias
• Systems thinking—understanding how parts relate to wholes and identifying patterns
• Logical reasoning—constructing valid arguments and detecting flaws in reasoning
• Creative problem-solving—generating multiple solutions and thinking outside conventional boundaries
• Decision-making abilities—weighing options against criteria and considering long-term consequences

To develop these skills, incorporate case studies, ethical dilemmas, and open-ended problems into your curriculum.

Encourage students to approach challenges from different angles and to justify their thinking processes, not just their answers.

Educational systems in Finland and Singapore have been particularly effective in developing complex thinking skills. Finland's Finnish national curriculum emphasises broad competencies that overlap significantly with this GLO, integrating critical thinking across all subject areas rather than treating it as a separate skill. Their approach involves fewer standardised tests and more open-ended problem-solving, allowing students to develop deeper analytical abilities.

Quality Producer

The quality producer component focuses on instilling standards of excellence and the persistence needed to achieve them.

This GLO helps students develop a genuine appreciation for craftsmanship and attention to detail in everything they create.

Quality producers consistently:

• Establish clear criteria for what constitutes quality work
• Plan thoroughly before executing projects
• Revise work based on feedback and self-assessment
• Persist through challenges and setbacks
• Take pride in delivering finished work that meets or exceeds standards

Implementing clear rubrics, encouraging multiple drafts, and providing opportunities for peer critique all help develop this outcome.

Consider creating classroom displays showcasing exemplary work that meets high-quality standards, providing concrete examples for students to aspire to.

The VALUE rubrics developed by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) provide an excellent framework for assessing this GLO. These detailed rubrics can be adapted to evaluate various aspects of quality production, from planning and execution to revision and final delivery. They offer a consistent way to measure student growth in developing excellence standards across different types of work.

Effective Communicator

Communication skills transcend all subject areas and remain consistently valuable regardless of technological changes or job market shifts.

Effective communicators can:

By 2025, digital communication competencies will be increasingly important, but should always build upon fundamental communication principles rather than replace them.

Provide varied communication opportunities through presentations, debates, writing assignments, and multimedia projects to develop well-rounded communicators.

Australian educational frameworks offer valuable insights into developing effective communicators through their general capabilities approach. Their curriculum explicitly integrates communication skills across all learning areas and provides detailed progression frameworks that show how these skills develop from foundational to advanced levels as students mature. This developmental approach ensures communication skills are built systematically throughout a student's educational journey.

Effective & Ethical Technology User

As technology becomes more integrated into every aspect of life, students must develop not just technical proficiency but ethical awareness around technology use.

This GLO encompasses:

• Digital literacy fundamentals—understanding how technologies work and how to use them effectively
• Information literacy—evaluating online sources for credibility and recognizing misinformation
• Digital citizenship—behaving responsibly online and understanding digital footprints
• Data privacy awareness—protecting personal information and respecting others' privacy
• Ethical considerations—understanding issues like algorithmic bias, digital access inequality, and intellectual property

Integrate authentic technology use throughout your curriculum rather than treating it as a separate subject.

Create scenarios where students must consider ethical implications of technology decisions, and hold regular discussions about emerging technologies and their societal impacts.

The ISTE Standards provide a comprehensive framework that closely aligns with this GLO. These standards are regularly updated to reflect current best practices in technology education and offer detailed guidance for educators seeking to develop technologically proficient and ethically aware students. They cover everything from basic digital literacy to more advanced concepts like computational thinking and innovative design, making them valuable for implementing this GLO across all educational levels.

Bringing It All Together

The most powerful educational experiences occur when these six GLOs work in concert, reinforcing each other through integrated learning experiences.

Rather than teaching them in isolation, design learning activities that naturally engage multiple outcomes simultaneously—this better reflects how skills are applied in real-world contexts.

• Consider project-based learning approaches that require students to research independently (self-directed learner), work in teams (community contributor), tackle complex challenges (complex thinker), meet quality standards (quality producer), present findings (effective communicator), and use technology appropriately (ethical technology user).
• Create assessment systems that evaluate growth across all GLOs, not just academic content knowledge.
• Provide regular reflection opportunities for students to consider their own development across these competencies.

As you plan for 2025, consider how these GLOs can be systematically developed through your curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices to prepare students for the complex challenges and opportunities they'll face in their future.

Curriculum Integration

Assessment Framework

Inclusive Design

Global Competency Framework

The educational landscape has shifted dramatically over the past few years, with global competency frameworks now playing a crucial role in how we approach learning outcomes worldwide.

I've noticed that educators are increasingly aligning their teaching with frameworks like the OECD Learning Compass 2030, which outlines essential skills, knowledge, and values students need to navigate an interconnected world.

This isn't just a trend—it's becoming necessary as our students prepare for global citizenship and cross-cultural work environments. Global awareness is more important than ever as the boundaries between nations and cultures continue to blur in our professional landscapes.

The most effective frameworks balance standardization with flexibility, allowing schools to maintain global relevance while adapting to local contexts.

For example, over 400 colleges and universities have used the Degree Qualifications Profile (DQP) to strengthen their curricula while facilitating student transfers between institutions.

Implementing these frameworks effectively requires thoughtful curriculum mapping—linking specific courses to broader institutional and global learning outcomes.

This process helps ensure students develop cross-cultural competencies like ethical reasoning, intercultural communication, and the ability to work in diverse teams—skills that are increasingly valuable in both academic and professional settings.

While many institutions are adopting these frameworks, implementation approaches vary widely. UNESCO's Education 2030 Agenda has gained significant traction, with its focus on inclusive, equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities. Similarly, the Global Competence Framework developed by the Asia Society emphasizes investigating the world, recognizing perspectives, communicating ideas, and taking action—essential competencies for our increasingly globalized society.

The most successful implementations I've observed use backward design methodology—starting with desired learning outcomes and then designing curriculum to achieve those goals. This approach ensures alignment between daily classroom activities and broader institutional or global competencies.

Digital Learning Integration

The past few years have revolutionized how we deliver and assess learning outcomes through digital platforms.

Online learning environments have evolved far beyond simple content delivery to become sophisticated ecosystems supporting blended, self-paced, and mastery-based approaches.

Modern Learning Management Systems now include robust features for creating and assessing learning outcomes, allowing educators to track student progress with precision that wasn't possible just a few years ago.

Digital portfolios have become particularly powerful tools for demonstrating achievement of General Learner Outcomes (GLOs).

These platforms now incorporate interactive and multimedia elements, allowing students to showcase their mastery in ways that traditional assessments simply cannot capture.

Several digital portfolio platforms stand out for their effectiveness in tracking GLO progress:

• Seesaw has gained popularity, especially in elementary education, with its intuitive interface allowing students to create drawings, notes, and screencasts with built-in audio and video reflection capabilities.
• FreshGrade offers custom assessment tools and milestone tracking that work particularly well for project-based learning approaches.
• Bulb Digital provides sophisticated multimedia integration and long-term archiving features that help students build professional-quality portfolios demonstrating their mastery of key competencies, making it ideal for secondary and higher education.
• Google Sites, part of G Suite for Education, has also emerged as a versatile portfolio platform, allowing students to integrate various Google tools into a cohesive presentation of their learning journey.

These platforms offer educators powerful ways to assess authentic learning while giving students agency in demonstrating their achievements.

Assessment methods have evolved alongside these technologies, with many institutions adopting competency-based assessments where students progress based on demonstrated mastery rather than arbitrary time periods.

This approach aligns perfectly with GLOs by focusing on what students can actually do rather than how long they've spent learning.

Virtual assessment tools like rubric-based systems (such as AAC&U's VALUE initiative) provide consistent frameworks for evaluating student work across different contexts and courses.

The most effective implementations I've seen maintain high standards while leveraging technology's ability to provide timely feedback and personalized learning paths.

For institutions looking to strengthen their GLO implementation, investing in digital portfolio systems that connect classroom learning with real-world applications is consistently showing strong results.

Career Readiness Connection

Perhaps the most significant evolution in GLOs is their increasingly explicit connection to workplace readiness and professional development.

Educational institutions are now actively collaborating with industry partners to define learning outcomes that align with employer expectations.

This partnership ensures that graduates possess not just academic knowledge but practical skills valued in the workplace.

Despite these efforts, a disconnect remains between education and employability in the U.S., where employers view universities as talent gatekeepers yet these institutions aren't consistently prioritizing job skills and career readiness.

The frameworks mentioned earlier—like the DQP and OECD Learning Compass—intentionally include competencies directly relevant to career success, such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and adaptability.

Digital badging and micro-credentials have emerged as powerful tools for tracking and validating specific skills.

These systems provide a clear pathway for students to demonstrate career readiness and for employers to recognize relevant competencies. Modern digital credentialing platforms like VerifyEd allow educational institutions to design and issue achievement certificates and badges that students can store on their digital profiles, enhancing their professional development while ensuring the credentials are tamper-proof through blockchain verification.

Several pioneering institutions have embraced competency-based assessment models that directly translate academic learning to workplace skills:

• Western Governors University (WGU) has been at the forefront of this movement, where students progress by demonstrating mastery of specific competencies rather than completing traditional credit hours.
• Southern New Hampshire University's College for America program uses a competency-based approach where students earn badges and credentials by proving their mastery of skills valued by employers.

Industry-education partnerships are also reshaping how we connect learning outcomes to career readiness. Companies like Google and Microsoft collaborate with educational institutions to integrate their tools into curricula, helping students develop digital literacy skills directly applicable to workplace settings. These partnerships provide authentic contexts for learning and assessment while ensuring that educational outcomes remain relevant to evolving industry needs.

The key elements of this career readiness connection include:

• Workplace skill alignment: Educational institutions are mapping their learning outcomes to specific industry-identified competencies, creating clear pathways from classroom to career. Research shows written communication skills, initiative, strong work ethic, and technical skills are important to at least 70% of responding employers.
• Professional development tracking: Competency-based education systems and digital credentialing platforms allow for continuous tracking of career-relevant skills throughout a student's educational journey.
• Industry-specific applications: Many programs now include targeted learning outcomes for specific industries, ensuring graduates are prepared for the unique demands of their chosen fields.

For forward-thinking educators, this integration creates a seamless transition between education and employment, with learning outcomes serving as a common language between academic institutions and workplaces.

The most successful implementations involve regular review and updating of these outcomes based on employment data and industry feedback, ensuring they remain relevant in rapidly changing professional landscapes. This is becoming particularly important as rapid technological change requires employees to dynamically upskill and reskill, making static college degrees potentially less relevant than demonstrated competencies.

As we move further into 2025, these connections between classroom learning outcomes and workplace application will only strengthen, with digital credentials serving as the bridge that makes these competencies visible and verifiable to employers worldwide. The transition to skills-based hiring is already showing promise, with 90% of employers using this approach reporting improvements in diversity and 84% of employees agreeing it helps reduce bias in the hiring process.