A short list of what I hope students will get out of doing one of my
subjects. This is my version of what universities call "learning
outcomes".
Inspiration You should be inspired to learn more
about the subject matter. If you did not like the subject matter, you
should at least have a good understanding of why somebody might feel
passionately about this topic.
Tools of the trade: Before you can
become an expert, you need to master the tools of the trade whether it
is a compiler or a wood saw. A semester, a couple of years is not
adequate to master a tool, but you should feel you understand the
variety of tools that are used in this area and the subject got you
started on a couple of tools which you can improve with practice.
Learning to learn: We live in a rapidly
changing world. You need the flexibility to learn, the knowledge to
find similarities between new tools and old systems. The "learning
muscle" is no different than any of your other muscles; it needs
exercise to grow strong, needs practise to stay in shape. You should
feel challenged by the ideas in a subject, not bored; otrhervise, you
will not stretch that muscle, not see how far it can be extended when
needed.
Transferrable skills: The amount of information stored
has doubled from 2000 to 2003 and the rate at which we produce
information is increasing. What this means is that whatever facts you
have learned will quickly become obsolete. You should develop a deep
understanding of the topic and of the tools since this results in
transferrable skills. You do not learn C++ or Java, you learn
programming techniques that apply to all languages,
algorithms/strategies like divide-and-conquer which go beyond
programming, critical thinking skills on how the pieces fit together
for a program as well as for an argument, and an understanding of how
to setup and use objective measurements to make decisions.
Can do that: You should be able to do at least
3 new things, and preferrable a couple fo dozen new things, that you
were not able to do before you took the subject. You should feel
competent in your ability and feel resourceful enough to learn what
you do not know.
Fun: Emotions are an important and often
ignored component of memory. If you are having fun while learning
something, you are more likely to remember it (and even if you did
not, you would willingly put yourself through the same learning
experience again anyway). You should have fun while studying any
subject. I do not mean the sit in front of TV or ride a
roller-coaster or playing tetris like fun, but the deeper challenging,
rewarding, time well spent kind of fun.