Unit 2: The 8 QM General Standards: Learning Outcomes & Alignment

2.1 Overview of the 8 Standards

The Quality Matters General Rubric is organized around 8 General Standards. Each standard addresses a critical aspect of course quality. Together, they form a comprehensive framework for evaluating whether a course is well-designed, accessible, and effective. The 8 standards apply across all disciplines and course types (credit-bearing, non-credit, K–12, higher education, corporate training, etc.).

Each standard is evaluated across multiple review criteria, and each criterion is assigned a point value based on how significantly it impacts learner success. A course submitted for QM certification is reviewed by external peer reviewers who assess how well it meets each criterion. The total possible score is 100 points; a score of 70+ indicates that the course meets QM standards (certification level).

2.2 Standard 1: Learning Outcomes

What it measures: Whether the course has clearly defined, measurable learning outcomes that describe what students will be able to do after completing the course.

Why it matters: Students need to know what they are expected to learn. Vague or absent learning outcomes create confusion and make it impossible to align other course elements. Clear learning outcomes serve as the foundation for all other aspects of the course.

Key criteria include:

• General course-level learning outcomes are clearly stated
• Learning outcomes are student-centered (focused on what students will do, not what the instructor will teach)
• Learning outcomes are measurable and observable (use action verbs from Bloom's taxonomy: analyze, evaluate, create, etc.)
• Module-level learning outcomes align with course-level outcomes
• Learning outcomes are consistent with the course level and academic standards for the subject

2.3 Standard 2: Alignment

What it measures: Whether the course demonstrates clear alignment between learning outcomes, instructional activities, assessments, and materials.

Why it matters: Alignment is the glue that holds a course together. If a learning outcome says "students will analyze," but the only assessments ask students to recall facts, the course is misaligned. Misaligned courses confuse students and undermine learning.

Key criteria include:

• Course and module learning outcomes are aligned with each other
• Instructional activities directly support learners in achieving the stated learning outcomes
• Assessments measure whether students have achieved the stated learning outcomes
• Course materials and content are relevant to the learning outcomes
• The course design and structure support learners in progressing toward the outcomes