learning intentions and success criteria examples

Lemon

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02-02-2025

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Learning intentions and success criteria (LIC) are powerful tools for effective teaching and learning. They clearly articulate what students should know, understand, and be able to do by the end of a lesson, unit, or course. This guide provides examples across various subjects and levels, showcasing best practices for writing effective LIC.

Understanding Learning Intentions and Success Criteria

Before diving into examples, let's clarify the difference:

• Learning Intentions: These statements describe what students will learn and be able to do. They focus on the big picture learning goals. They answer the question: "What will students learn?"

• Success Criteria: These statements define how students will demonstrate their learning and achievement of the learning intentions. They provide specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) indicators of success. They answer the question: "How will students show they have learned?"

Examples by Subject and Grade Level

Here are examples categorized for clarity:

Elementary School (Grades 1-5)

Subject: Math - Addition and Subtraction

• Learning Intention: Students will be able to add and subtract two-digit numbers fluently.

• Success Criteria:

  • Students can accurately solve at least 8 out of 10 addition problems within 5 minutes.
  • Students can accurately solve at least 8 out of 10 subtraction problems within 5 minutes.
  • Students can explain their problem-solving strategies clearly.

Subject: Literacy - Reading Comprehension

• Learning Intention: Students will be able to identify the main idea and supporting details in a simple story.

• Success Criteria:

  • Students can correctly identify the main idea of the story.
  • Students can list at least three supporting details that explain the main idea.
  • Students can explain how the supporting details connect to the main idea.

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Subject: Science - Photosynthesis

• Learning Intention: Students will be able to explain the process of photosynthesis and its importance to life on Earth.

• Success Criteria:

  • Students can accurately describe the inputs (water, carbon dioxide, sunlight) and outputs (glucose, oxygen) of photosynthesis.
  • Students can explain the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis.
  • Students can explain the importance of photosynthesis for plant growth and the oxygen in the atmosphere.
  • Students can accurately label a diagram of photosynthesis.

Subject: Social Studies - Ancient Civilizations

• Learning Intention: Students will be able to compare and contrast two ancient civilizations (e.g., Roman and Greek).

• Success Criteria:

  • Students can identify key similarities and differences between the two chosen civilizations in terms of government, social structure, and achievements.
  • Students can support their comparisons with specific examples from each civilization.
  • Students can present their findings clearly and concisely in a written report or presentation.

High School (Grades 9-12)

Subject: English - Literary Analysis

• Learning Intention: Students will be able to analyze the use of symbolism in a literary work.

• Success Criteria:

  • Students can identify at least three significant symbols in the chosen text.
  • Students can explain the meaning and significance of each symbol within the context of the work.
  • Students can support their analysis with textual evidence and relevant literary theory.
  • Students can present their analysis in a well-structured essay.

Subject: Math - Algebra - Solving Quadratic Equations

• Learning Intention: Students will be able to solve quadratic equations using various methods (factoring, quadratic formula, completing the square).

• Success Criteria:

  • Students can accurately solve at least 8 out of 10 quadratic equations using factoring.
  • Students can accurately solve at least 8 out of 10 quadratic equations using the quadratic formula.
  • Students can explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Tips for Writing Effective LIC

• Keep it concise and clear: Avoid jargon and overly complex language.
• Focus on observable behaviors: Success criteria should describe what students will do to demonstrate their learning.
• Make it specific and measurable: Use quantifiable terms where possible (e.g., "at least 8 out of 10").
• Involve students in the process: Allow students to help develop the success criteria to increase engagement and ownership.
• Regularly review and adjust: LIC should be revisited and refined as needed throughout the learning process.

By consistently using well-crafted learning intentions and success criteria, educators can create a more focused and effective learning environment for their students, leading to improved learning outcomes and increased student achievement.