In instructional design, what is the term for a detailed description of the expected outcome of an instructional session?

In instructional design, the term that refers to a detailed description of the expected outcome of an instructional session is known as an objective. Objectives serve as clear statements that define what learners should be able to achieve by the end of a learning experience. They often include specific knowledge, skills, or attitudes that are intended to be developed through the instruction.

Objectives are critical because they not only guide the planning and delivery of the instruction but also provide a framework for measuring the effectiveness of the instructional session. They are typically written in measurable terms, allowing both instructors and learners to have a clear understanding of the expectations. This approach helps ensure that the instructional activities and assessments align with the desired outcomes, promoting a more structured and focused learning environment.

Other terms in the question relate to different aspects of the instructional design process. For example, assessments are tools used to evaluate whether the learners have met the objectives. Activities are the specific tasks or exercises that learners engage in during the learning process, which are designed to facilitate learning towards achieving the objectives. A content outline, on the other hand, is a structured overview of the topics and materials to be covered in the course; however, it does not provide the specific expected outcomes like the objectives do.