Clearly articulated learning outcomes increase the value of a proposal. Outcomes are usually expressed as knowledge, skills, or attitudes. Learning outcomes should flow from a needs assessment. The needs assessment should determine the gap between an existing condition and a desired condition. They represent the solution to the identified need or issue.
Learning outcomes provide direction in the planning of a learning activity.
An educational need is something individuals should learn for their own good, for the good of their organization or profession, or for the good of society. A need represents a gap between an individual's current level and some desired level of knowledge, skills, or attitudes. These questions may well be addressed in a needs assessment. Regardless of how they are addressed, these questions are useful in decision making about how a presentation should be tailored to the intended audience. These questions are a useful tool for programmers in helping speakers focus their planning and instruction.