Writing Learning Objectives

First, let’s clarify the difference between learning objectives and competencies. Competencies serve as the basis for skill standards that specify the level of knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in the academic program and measurement criteria for assessing competency. In contrast, a learning objective should be specific, measurable statements that are written in behavioral terms. Learning objectives describe what the learner should be able to achieve at the end of a learning period. The objective lets us know if the assessment criteria were met, and if aligned correctly, we know that the competency was met.

Watch the following video.

Objective and alignment video PowerPoint file link Learning Objectives -alignment pdf

4 Parts of an Objective:

  • Condition: Describe the conditions under which the learner will be expected to perform in the evaluation situation
  • Who: Define who will be expected to perform (Student, participant)
  • Behavior: Describe the observable action using an appropriate verb (Bloom’s Taxonomy) along with the task
  • Criterion: Make clear how well a learner must perform to be judged adequate

By the end of this lesson, the students will be able to write five objectives using the four components of an instructional objective with no errors.

By the end of this lessonthe students will be able to break down instructional concepts using task analysis in 45 minutes or less.

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Teaching Online: Course Design, Delivery, and Teaching Presence Copyright © by Analisa McMillan. All Rights Reserved.

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