Learning Objectives

Fundamentalsof

A learning objective is a statement, in specific and measurable terms, that describes what learners will be able to do on completion of the training.

Correct and Incorrect Usage of LOs

"This course will...“

"Today I plan to..."

"By the end of this program,

you will be able to...“

"By the end of this course,

you will be able to..."

3 Components of Learning Objectives

Performance A description of what the learner is expected to do

Condition The conditions (environment) under which the learner is expected to perform

Criteria The level of performance to be achieved for the learner to be considered competent

Bloom’s TaxonomyIn 1956, Benjamin Bloom, an American educational psychologist developed a taxonomy that is widely used to set performance-based learning objectives for training programs.

Action verbs:

Remembering

Understanding

Applying

Analyzing

Evaluating

Creating

Define, List, Recall, Recognize, Identify, Name

Explain, Infer, Match, Compare, Distinguish, Summarize, Expand, Classify, Calculate, Describe, Interpret, Outline

Classify, Demonstrate, Execute, Solve, Use, Implement

Appraise, Compare, Contrast, Formulate, Examine, Test, Sequence, Structure Appraise, Check, Critique, Judge, Monitor, Rate, Prioritize, Verify Change, Combine, Design, Formulate, Invent, Improve, Generate, Plan, Predict, Produce, Compile

Why Use Learning Objectives?Learning objectives set the stage for training development. They help training managers or learning and design professionals decide the course of action to take to complete the training program.

Using learning objectives helps define the:

Scope of the course Instructional strategy Evaluation methodology Course cost and duration

How to Set Learning Objectives

While writing learning objectives , ensure alignment between the learning objectives, content, and assessments.

Based on the learning objectives, we choose the training content and design assessments to make sure learners are tested on what they are expected to learn and not something different.

• Learning objectives should clearly define the knowledge and skills learners would acquire at the end of the course.

• Training content is chosen and geared towards helping learners meet the learning objectives.

• Assessments will measure the extent to which the learning objectives are met.

3 Steps to Write Learning Objectives

A Stem is the introductory phrase that addresses learners and sets the context – it tells them when they will achieve the objectives

It is an introductory phrase that addresses learners and sets the context – it tells them when they will achieve the objectives.

We need to add the action verb that specifies the expected performance.

We need to specify the process, procedure, or action learners will be able to perform after the course.

Before we leave, let us quickly recap what we have learned.

A learning objective is a statement, in specific and measurable terms, that describes what learners will be able to do on completion of the training.

Components of learning objectives:• Performance• Condition • Criteria

6 levels of the cognitive domain:• Remembering • Understanding • Applying

Steps to write learning objectives:• Create a stem• Add a verb • Determine the outcome

• Analyzing • Evaluating • Creating