How to write Learning Objectives
A learning objective is a description of the knowledge, skills, or habits of mind that learners should be able to demonstrate after completing an activity. Learning objectives should be SMART, that is:
Specific
Measurable/Observable
Attainable for target audience (within specificed time/conditions)
Results-driven (i.e. focus on making/doing)
Targeted to the learner and their particular stage
You can (and probably should) have multiple learning objectives for each session.
- Try finishing off the sentence: "After this session, learners should be able to..."
- Use an action verb (see section below) so you can observe the learning that takes place.
- Consider where your learners are currently at in their development and set a realistic goal for the session.
- Mozilla's pedagogy (theory of learning) is learning by making/doing so ensure your learners have opportunities to apply their knowledge and understanding.
Think about what you want your learners to achieve in the session. What kind of learning is it? Bloom's Taxonomy can be a helpful guide:
It can be useful to use 'action verbs' to focus attention on the type of learning you want. Here are some useful ones you may want to use when crafting your learning objectives:
Associate, Compare, Contrast, Define, Describe, Differentiate, Distinguish, Identify, Indicate, List, Name, Paraphrase, Recognize, Repeat, Restate, Review, Show, State, Summarize, Tell
Example: Compare and contrast information found using multiple searches.
Calculate, Demonstrate, Draw, Employ, Estimate, Give example, Illustrate, Locate, Measure, Operate, Perform, Prescribe, Record, Set up, Sketch, Solve, Trace, Use
Example: Locate relevant information by using search engines.
Advocate, Analyze, Assess, Challenge, Compose, Conclude, Construct, Create, Critique, Debate, Decide, Defend, Derive, Design, Evaluate, Formulate, Infer, Judge, Organize, Plan, Propose, Rank, Recommend, Select, Suggest
Example: Decide on the trustworthiness of information by identifying key indicators.
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