Developing Learning Objectives
Learning objectives describe the skills, abilities and/or attitudes that a participant will be able to accomplish at the end of the session. An objective is made up of three important elements:
- Define or describe an action.
- Are measurable, in terms of observable, behavioral outcomes for delegates.
- Are stated clearly.
The following guidelines are provided to assist in the development of appropriate learning objectives.
Step 1 Describe the information, skills, behaviors, or perspectives participants in the session will acquire through attendance and participation.
Step 2 Clearly identify the outcomes or actions participants can expect to demonstrate as a result of the educational experiences. See the action words below.
Step 3 Write the learning objectives that relate to these outcomes and that reflect the content of the session.
- Utilizes an effective, action verb that targets the desired level of performance.
- Avoid using verbs that are difficult to measure – see list below.
| Emphasis | Recommended Verbs |
|---|---|
| Analyze | analyze, classify, compare, contrast, detect, determine, differentiate, dissect, discover, discriminate, distinguish, estimate, examine, explore, interpret, investigate |
| Apply | apply, classify, construct, demonstrate, explain, estimate, identify, illustrate, implement, instruct, interpret, perform, plan, predict, prepare |
| Create | Arrange, assemble, combine, compose, create, establish, design, devise, develop, formulate, invent, manage, modify, organize, plan, prepare, produce, propose |
| Evaluate | appraise, assess, criticize, defend, determine, estimate, evaluate, judge, justify, measure, predict, rank, rate, recommend, select, summarize, test, verify |
| Remember | arrange, define, describe, distinguish, locate, identify, label, list, name, recall, recite, recognize, repeat, reproduce, state |
| Undertstand | classify, compare, defend, describe, discuss, explain, identify, illustrate, indicate, interpret, review, summarize, transform, translate, conclude |
Verbs to avoid
The following verbs are internal to the delegate and therefore difficult to assess and should not be used:
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