The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) definitions and discussion

The EQF defines "learning outcomes" as meaning "statements of what a learner knows, understands and is able to do on completion of a learning process, which are defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence".

These definitions make good sense, but it is difficult to be sure of exactly what the influence of a learning process may have been on "what a learner knows, understands or is able to do". It makes more sense to focus on intended learning outcomes. The ENQA (the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education) use the term "intended learning outcomes" and not just "learning outcomes" in their Standards and Guidelines document [ESG].

Given intended learning outcomes, it is possible to make judgements about whether learners have achieved any particular intended outcome, much more easily than finding out just what a particular learner knows, or can do.

Source: Guidelines on European learner mobility: intended learning outcomes
http://wiki.teria.no/display/EuropeanLearnerMobility/Guidelines+-+intended+learning+outcomes