Writing Effective Learning Objectives
ID Series workshop, March 2013
Learning Objectives
Other names for Learning Objectives:
 Outcomes
 Behavioral Objectives
 Enabling objectives
 Terminal objectives
 Educational objectives
 Performance objectives
Articulate Your Learning Objectives
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First set course structure, then decide content
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3 Main Course Components
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OBJECTIVES
ASSESSMENTS
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Characteristics of Good Objectives
Learning Objectives should…..
 be student-centered.
 be specific.
 use action verbs.
 be measurable.
 be aligned
Image sources: http://pcs2ndgrade.pbworks.com/f/1318607148/RBT.PNG
Depth and Breadth of Learning:
Lower Cognitive Level Example
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Students will identify kind of precipitation
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Students will explain how water enters a watershed
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Students will describe the major watersheds in the US
Depth and Breadth of Learning:
Higher Cognitive Level Example
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Students will identify kind
of precipitation
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Students will explain how
water enters a watershed
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Students will describe the
major watersheds in the
US
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Students will analyze the
effects of types and
quantities of precipitation in
various geographic areas
Students will explain the
relationship between a
watershed and the life form
within it.
Students will evaluate the
impact of human activity on
specific water sheds.
Words to Avoid
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know
comprehend
understand
appreciate
familiarize
study
cover
learn
realize
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Improve
become
Think critically
show interest in
be capable of
be aware
be conscious of
become acquainted with
gain knowledge of
Align Assessments with Objectives
Identify Appropriate Instructional Strategies
Resources
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Eberly Center for Teaching Exellent, Enhancing Education Articulate Your Learning Objectives. Carnegie Mellon
University, n.d.Web. 22 February 2013.
http://www.cmu.edu/teaching/designteach/design/learning
objectives.html
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Office of Faculty Development, Writing Objectives:
Beginning With The End n Mind. Heritage College of
Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, , n.d.Web. 22
February 2013.
http://www.oucom.ohiou.edu/fd/writingobjectives.pdf
Are your objectives...?
 be
student-centered.
 break down the task and focus on specific cognitive
processes.
 use action verbs.
 be measurable.
 be aligned with assessment and instructional strategy