Hi John: In it's most basic definition, student learning outcomes (SLO's) define what the student is expected to know at the completion of a unit or course. The course objectives define how they will obtain that knowledge. The great thing about SLO's for me is that when correctly written, students almost have to learn the material if the class follows the objectives and the SLO's are met. This idea is an emerging topic that teachers will begin hearing more about in the time ahead, as accrediting agencies are beginning to require SLO's included in coure work outlines. Regards, Barry