The Agora

S tudent L earning O utcomes are increasingly de rigueur in US higher education. Usually defined as statements of what students will be able to measurably demonstrate upon completing a course or program, proponents argue that they are essential to objective assessment and quality assurance. Critics contend that S tudent L earning O utcomes are a misguided attempt to apply corporate quality enhancement schemes to higher education. It is not clear whether faculty should embrace or reject S tudent L earning O utcomes. With sincere apologies to P lato, this dialogue explores arguments for and against their use.