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Writing Effective Learning Objectives: Digital Education Strategies

The document discusses how to write effective learning objectives for courses. It explains that learning objectives should be specific, observable, and measurable. They should include the conditions, action verb, and standard of performance. Examples are provided of well-written learning objectives. Tables are included that list action verbs for different cognitive levels and verbs that should be avoided. A checklist is also provided to review learning objectives.

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109 views

Writing Effective Learning Objectives: Digital Education Strategies

The document discusses how to write effective learning objectives for courses. It explains that learning objectives should be specific, observable, and measurable. They should include the conditions, action verb, and standard of performance. Examples are provided of well-written learning objectives. Tables are included that list action verbs for different cognitive levels and verbs that should be avoided. A checklist is also provided to review learning objectives.

Uploaded by

zaruba78
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The G.

Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education Digital Education Strategies

Writing Effective Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives and How to Set Them


When setting out to complete a task, we usually have a goal, or an outcome in mind. For example, when putting up a shelving unit, we hope that we will end up with a straight and sturdy shelf. To accomplish this, we might set up smaller goals that will help us to eventually reach our final goal. This may include putting the sides together first and then screwing in the shelves. However, we may find that were doing it all wrong and that we do not end up with what we had expected. That is when it is useful to read the instructions to get a clearer idea of what you should be doing to achieve the best result possible. The same can be said of students taking a course. Though the ultimate goal is to pass the course and learn new skills or acquire knowledge, students often need smaller objectives that guide them towards a final goal. If students have clear learning objectives, it is easier for them to know what is expected of them and to achieve the desired outcome without the frustration of having to, so to speak, build a shelf without instructions. Setting learning objectives is helpful for instructors because they can test students according to these objectives and build their course around them. Once a learning objective has been set, it is easier to find suitable content and exercises as well as grade the students work. Effective learning objectives must be: Specific Observable Measurable

Writing Learning Objectives When writing learning objectives, it is important to remember to include three major components: 1. Conditions: the conditions under which the student will perform the task 2. Action verb: a description of what the student will be able to do 3. Standard: the criteria for evaluating student performance Examples of Well Written Learning Objectives After completing the required readings, correctly diagnose a patient with acute gastroenteritis within five minutes. Given a case study, plan a marketing campaign following the guidelines provided by the instructor. After exploring the module and taking part in the weeks discussion, apply the strategies to handle complaints in a business environment to the case study.

Table of Cognitive Domain Use this table of action verbs, based on Blooms taxonomy of educational objectives, to guide you when writing learning objectives. Knowledge Cite Chose Define Label List Locate Match Name Recall Recognize Record Repeat Select State Write Comprehension Arrange Associate Clarify Convert Describe Draw Discuss Estimate Explain Express identify Locate Outline Paraphrase Report Restate Review Sort Summarize Transfer Translate Application Adapt Apply Catalogue Chart Compute Consolidate Demonstrate Employ Extend Extrapolate Generalize Illustrate Infer Interpret Manipulate Modify Order Predict Prepare Produce Relate Tabulate Use Analysis Analyze Appraise Audit Break down Calculate Categorize Compare Contrast Correlate Criticize Deduce Defend Detect Differentiate Discriminate Distinguish Examine Infer Inspect Investigate Question Reason Separate Solve Test Uncover Verify Synthesis Arrange Assemble Build Combine Compile Compose Conceive Construct Create Design Devise Discover Draft Formulate Generate Integrate Manage Organize Plan Predict Prepare Propose Reorder Reorganize Set up Structure Synthesize Evaluation Appraise Approve Assess Choose Conclude Confirm Criticize Diagnose Evaluate Judge Justify Prioritize Prove Rank Rate Recommend Research Resolve Revise Rule on Select Support Validate

Level 1: Recall

Level 2: Interpretation

Level 3: Problem-solving

The following are verbs that should be avoided when writing learning objectives, as they cannot be measured or are redundant: Able to Appreciation for Awareness of Capable of Comprehend Conscious of Familiar with Shows interest in Knows Has knowledge of Learns Memorizes Understands Will be able to

Review Checklist for Writing Learning Objectives Does the learning objective stem from a course goal or objective? Is the learning objective measurable? Is the learning objective written in terms of observable outcomes? Does the learning objective target one specific aspect of expected performance? Is the learning objective student-centered? Does the learning objective utilize an effective action verb that targets the desired level of performance? Does the learning objective match instructional activities and assessments? Does the learning objective specify appropriate conditions for performance? Do the learning objectives measure a range of educational outcomes?

Resources Arreola, Raoul A. (PhD) Writing Learning Objectives, A Teaching Resource Document from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Academic Support, The University of Tennessee
Mandernach, B. J. (2003). Writing Quality Learning Objectives. Retrieved 2008, from

http://www.park.edu/cetl/quicktips/writinglearningobj.html, Park University Waller, Kathy V. (PhD), Writing Instructional Objectives, NAACLAS Board of Directors

If you need assistance with writing learning objectives or have any questions, please contact Digital Education Strategies Instructor Support at [email protected], or call 416-9795000X4561

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