Defining Outcomes – Foundation for Program Design

Complimentary lesson from the Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) course.

Once you’ve gained a clear understanding of your learners through the discovery process, the next step is to define the specific objectives your course aims to achieve. These objectives will serve as the foundation for instructional planning, content selection, and outcome measurement.

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Key Areas to Measure

The ultimate goal of any educational experience – especially in life skills and financial education – is to produce measurable, real-world outcomes that benefit learners well beyond the classroom. To ensure that your instruction translates into lasting impact, it’s essential to track progress across multiple dimensions. These dimensions help you assess not only what participants know, but also how they feel, how they behave, and what they actually do with what they’ve learned. The following areas provide a comprehensive framework for measuring learner development and program effectiveness, from initial engagement to long-term application.

Content Knowledge

What learners understand about teaching personal finance topics.

Interest

Their level of engagement and motivation to learn the subject matter.

Stage of Change

Their readiness and willingness to apply what they’ve learned.

Sentiment

Their feelings, confidence, and mindset toward applying what they learned in the lessons.

Behaviors

Observable actions that support their journey to becoming effective stewards of their finances.

Systems

The routines, tools, or structures they’ve developed to support their personal finance management.

Support

The networks, resources, or people they access to help them succeed.

Actions

Specific steps learners take as a direct result of the training.

Outcomes

Real-world impact and measurable results stemming from their learning experience.

When Measures are Taken

Effective education programs measure impact at all stages of the learning experience. It’s a process that spans the entire learner journey. Each measurement stage offers unique insights into learner progress, program effectiveness, and long-term outcomes.

1

Pre-instruction (Baseline)

Establishes where learners are before training begins. This measure helps tailor instruction and sets benchmarks for growth.

2

Midpoint (Formative)

Measures progress and informs real-time instructional adjustments. Also helps flag disengagement or misunderstanding.

3

Post-instruction (Immediate Outcomes)

Evaluates how the learners have gained the skills presented and any area where they applied the learning.

4

Long-term Post (Follow-up)

Assesses lasting impact – what learners retained, changed, or implemented after time has passed.

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Additional Resources

Accredited Personal Financial Wellness Consultant℠ Requirements

Review Assessment
Bank Offering

CFEI℠ Requirements

Certified Financial Education Instructor Program

Complete Program Execution Package