EFFECTIVE USE OF PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES FOR LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT (For Use With Finks and Blooms Taxonomies)

What is a learning objective? A learning objective is an outcome statement that captures specifically what knowledge, skills, attitudes learners should be able to exhibit following instruction. A common misapplication of objectives is for the teacher/presenter to state what he/she is going to do (e.g., My plan this morning is to talk about), rather than what the student is expected to be able to do (e.g., After this session, you should be able to). Why have learning objectives? Creating clear learning objectives during the planning process of a unit/week/individual session serves the Objectives following purposes: Helps unit planners integrate across a day/week/unit of learning Serves to connect content and assessment around learning Guides selection of teaching/learning activities that will best achieve objectives Learning Gives learners a clear picture of what to expect and whats expected of them Forms the basis for evaluating teacher, learner, and curriculum effectiveness Assessment Content What are the key components of a learning objective? Learning objectives should be SMART Specific Measurable/Observable Attainable for target audience within scheduled time and specified conditions Relevant and results-oriented Targeted to the learner and to the desired level of learning How do I create a useful learning objective? To create specific, measurable/observable, and results-oriented objectives: Its helpful to finish the sentence, After this unit/week/individual session, you should be able to Start with an observable action word that captures what the learner should be able to do (see examples in Table 1 of Attachment A-Finks and B-Blooms). Avoid ill-defined terms that are open to variable interpretation (e.g., understand, learn, grasp); use instead terms that describe directly observable behaviors. (Even though some elements of Finks
Taxonomy, such as the human dimension, caring, and learning to learn, may be difficult to measure/observe, they are still worth identifying as objectives and striving to achieve in teaching/learning activities.)

When necessary, specify criteria concerning expected standard of performance (e.g., Describe a mechanism in support of your hypothesis from the organ system down to level of cells and molecules.). To create attainable learning objectives: Consider the beginning level of understanding/skill of your learners and craft your objective to move them to the next level. Consider and specify when appropriate the conditions under which performance will take place (e.g., On a written exam, describe or With a standardized or actual patient, demonstrate) Limit number of objectives to major learning points you would like students to walk away with. To create objectives targeted to the audience and desired level of learning/thinking: Ask yourself whether you want learners to be able to: know, apply, integrate, consider the human dimension, care, or learn to learn (Finks Taxonomy Attachment A); or know, comprehend, apply, analyze, synthesize, or evaluate (Blooms Taxonomy Attachment B). These outcomes represent different levels/kinds of thinking. Match your action verb to the desired level (Table 2 in Attachment A & B). Match learning objective with appropriate teaching/learning strategy (Table 3 in Attachment A & B).
Teacher & Educational Development, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, 2005

ATTACHMENT A FINKS TAXONOMY (Fink, Creating Significant Learning Experiences, 2003)

Table 1: Example Action Verbs for Each Dimension of Learning

Dimension Action Verbs Objects FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE What key information, ideas, perspectives are important for learners to know? Facts, concepts, theories, Associate Explain List Recognize Understanding and Remembering relationships, models, (developing a full understanding of the Compare Give example Name Repeat perspectives, structures, concepts associated with a subject to a Contrast Identify Paraphrase Restate organizations, purposes, degree that allows explanations, Define Illustrate Predict Tell proposals, problems, predictions, etc.) Describe Indicate Recite results, conclusions, plans APPLICATION What kinds of thinking, complex projects, and skills is it important for learners to be able to do/manage? Critical Thinking (analyzing and Analyze Contrast Dissect Label Ideas, issues, situations, critiquing issues and situations) Assess Decipher Distinguish Locate proposals, processes, Audit Deduce Examine Measure results, conclusions, Catalog Derive Formulate Organize theories, assumptions Categorize Determine Hypothesize Query Classify Diagram Infer Separate Compare Differentiate Interpret Trace Give evidence Prove Problems, issues, Practical Thinking (developing Advise Consult Judge Rank conundrums problem-solving and decision-making Answer Debate Justify Select capabilities) Apply Decide Predict Solve Calculate Determine Prescribe Suggest Certify Diagnose Propose Test Choose Evaluate Creative Thinking (creating new ideas, Abstract Convert Draw Refine Ideas, plans, products, products, and perspectives) Adapt Create Envision Reform objects, premises, Amend Design Experiment Sketch perspectives, models, Author Develop Fabricate Theorize theories Compose Devise Imagine Transform Construct Discover Improve Write Managing Complex Projects (being Administer Coordinate Guide Strategize Tasks, timelines, cases, able to coordinate and sequence Assign Delegate Implement Supervise projects multiple tasks in a single project/case Coach Develop Manage Summarize and/or multiple projects/cases) Communicate Evaluate Organize Teach Complete Facilitate Plan Time-line Conduct Follow Up Prioritize Train Performance Skills (developing Conduct Employ Operate Set up Procedures, routines, capabilities in carrying out psychoDemonstrate Execute Perform Use processes, maneuvers, motor activities) Do Exhibit Produce interviews INTEGRATION What connections should learners be able to recognize and make within and beyond this learning experience? Interdisciplinary Learning (connecting Associate Concept map Correlate Link Ideas, disciplines, ideas, disciplines, perspectives, contexts) Combine Connect Differentiate Relate perspectives, contexts, Learning Communities (connecting people) Compare Contrast Integrate Synthesize people, domains, realms
Learning and Living/Working (connecting different realms of life)

HUMAN DIMENSION What should learners learn about themselves and about interacting with others? See oneself as Ethics, morality, Educate Mobilize Acquire Interpersonal Relationships (with Serve as role principles, attitudes, peers, supervisors, patients, others) Embody Motivate Advise model Self-Authorship (learning to create and Empathize values, beliefs, Negotiate Advocate take responsibility for ones own life) Settle Express premises, conflicts; Nurture Balance Leadership (becoming an effective leader) Be aware of Share Feel confident Offer personal, social, Ethics, Character Building (living by Show cultural, and Behave Give feedback Promote ethical principles) Suggest environmental Protect Collaborate Help Multicultural Education (being cultural- Communicate Support implications Reconcile Influence ly sensitive in interactions with others) Suspend Reform Comply Initiate Working as a Member of a Team judgment Resolve Cooperate Inspire (knowing how to contribute to a team) Sustain conflict Critically reflect Interact with Citizenship (of ones profession, comTake resRespect Decide to Involve munity, nation state, other political entity) ponsibility Respond Demonstrate Lead Environmental Ethics (having ethical sensitively Unite Describe Mediate principles in relation to nonhuman world)
Teacher & Educational Development, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, 2005

Table 1: Example Action Verbs for Each Dimension of Learning (cont.)

Action Verbs CARING What changes in learners feelings, interests, values are important? Agree to Develop Identify Revitalize Wanting to Be a Good Learner (wanting to master, achieve high standards) Be ready to Discover Pledge Share Becoming Excited About a Particular Commit to Explore Recognize State Activity/Subject (developing a keen interest) Decide to Express value of Take time to Developing a Commitment to Live Demonstrate Get excited about Renew interest Value Right (i.e., deciding to take care of ones
health/well-being, live by a certain code)

Dimension

Objects Attitudes, beliefs, feelings, interests, opinions, values

LEARNING HOW TO LEARN What should learners learn about learning, engaging in inquiry, and becoming self-directed? Predict performance Learning, acquisition of How to Be a Better Learner (engaging in Construct knowledge about self-regulated learning or deep learning) Reflect knowledge and skills, Describe how to How to Inquire and Construct Research self-improvement, selfDevelop a learning plan Knowledge (how to engage in the scientific Self-assess direction, accountability Frame useful questions method, historical method, other forms of inquiry) Self-regulate Generalize knowledge How to Pursue Self-Directed or Self-monitor Identify sources and resources Intentional Learning (developing a Identify your learning style & barriers Set a learning agenda learning agenda and plan, becoming an intentional Identify what you need to know Take responsibility for learner, becoming skilled in autodidaxy, being a Inquire Transfer knowledge reflective practitioner)

Table 2: Levels of Thinking/Learning

Category
Foundational Knowledge

Dimension
Remembering & Understanding

Definition Knowing common terms, specific facts, methods and procedures, basic concepts, principles; understanding to a degree that allows for explanations, predictions Analyzing and critiquing issues and situations

Application

Critical Thinking

Practical Thinking

Solving problems and making decisions

Creativity

Creating/refining/ inventing new ideas, products, and perspectives

Example Objectives Name the major bones of the leg. List five causes of joint pain. Define deep fascia. Explain the autoimmune mechanism. Restate the present problem in your own words. Describe the process of differential diagnosis. Give an example of the term consanguinity. Diagram the mechanism leading to shortness of breath in interstitial lung disease. Compare and contrast the basic functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of autonomic nervous system. Differentiate between findings which are and are not significant to the presenting problem. Distinguish between acquired mutations and inherited mutations as causes of cancer. Determine whether a particular problem is familial, has a definable inheritance pattern, or appears to be multifactorial. Assess the reliability and validity of research claims/statistics. Select the most effective treatment from an array of options. Decide which candidate is most qualified for a position. Choose lab tests which should be done based on patient symptoms, history, and physical exam. Rank order your hypotheses concerning the cause of this patients symptoms. Diagnose the patients problem. Solve population genetics problems, including the calculation of allele frequencies. Apply basic pharmacokinetic principles to estimate drug concentrations in the patient at any time. Determine pain level reported by patient using Analog Pain Scale. Create a care map for the treatment of a diabetic patient. Write a journal article describing your research project. Construct a theory about how people learn. Adapt x protocol to accommodate people with disabilities.

Teacher & Educational Development, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, 2005

Category Application (continued)

Dimension Managing Complex Projects

Definition Coordinating and sequencing multiple tasks in a single project/case and/or multiple projects/ cases Communicating and performing psycho-motor activities Connecting different ideas, disciplines, perspectives, contexts

Performance Skills

Integration

Interdisciplinary Learning

Human Dimension

Interpersonal Relationships

SelfAuthorship Leadership

Establishing effective working relationships with supervisors, peers, patients, and others Creating and taking responsibility for ones own life Being an effective leader

Ethics, Character Building

Developing character and living by ethical principles

Multicultural Education

Becoming culturally sensitive in ones interactions with others

Working as a Member of a Team

Knowing how to contribute to a team

Citizenship

Being a responsible citizen of ones profession, local community, nation state, and other political entity

Example Objectives Design a research proposal that meets HRRCs criteria. Develop a strategic plan for x. Prioritize treatment based on life-threatening potential of multiple traumatic injuries. Conduct a research experiment to test the x. Manage treatment activities of your health care team. Delegate patient care responsibilities appropriately to HO1s. Perform a physical exam per established procedure. Conduct a motivational interview per established procedure. Use appropriate instruments to perform x procedure. Demonstrate the appropriate use of x. Relate the patients symptoms to potential side effects of the medicine she is taking. Concept map the various elements involved in x. Explain how x affects the major organs of the body. Synthesize current literature & implications for treatment of x. Greet and show interest in knowing the patient as a person. Show care and concern verbally and nonverbally. Demonstrate empathy through reflection and nonverbal cues. Offer statements of support. See yourself as a healthcare professional. Feel confident about your ability to successfully x. Take responsibility for your mistakes and for correcting them. Acquire input for decisions from those you lead. Make, explain, and take responsibility for difficult decisions. Act on results and feedback from others to improve future outcomes. Advocate for quality patient care and assist patients in dealing with system complexities. Apply skills for effectively resolving conflict. Serve as a role model. Describe the legal, social, and ethical issues raised by the power of genetic technology and our increased understanding of human genetic disease and variation. Comply with hospital regulations for x. Protect patients privacy. Respect patient choices, values, and need for confidentiality. Be aware of your own biases related to the care and treatment of people who are different from you. Elicit patients beliefs, concerns and expectations about treatment. Motivate patient compliance by developing culturally-sensitive treatment options and follow-up. As appropriate, include patient-identified non-traditional healers. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide the best patient care for a stroke patient. Share information & understanding with other team members. Give appropriate & constructive feedback to team members. Receive and act on feedback from other team members. Apply strategies for optimal consultation and collaboration. Involve interpreters appropriately in patient care. Describe issues of access and barriers to health care. Balance patient care and comfort with research imperatives. Design community-based research that responds to important cultural and international issues. Describe the demographics, socio-cultural beliefs & practices that impact the health of your community.

Teacher & Educational Development, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, 2005

Category Human Dimension (continued) Caring

Dimension Environmental Ethics

Definition Having ethical principles in relation to the nonhuman world Wanting to master material, achieve high standards Developing a keen interest

Wanting to be a good learner Becoming excited about a particular activity or subject Developing a commitment to live right

Example Objectives Comply with ethical principles for use of animals in medical research. Dispose of biohazardous materials in appropriate receptacles. Commit to professional excellence and personal well-being. Develop metacognitive habit of identifying gaps and working to fill them. Review outcomes and identify strategies for improvement. Revitalize your interest in teaching. Identify areas of personal interest in daily activities for further study. Share enthusiasm for your interests with others.

For example, deciding to take care of ones health and well-being, to live by a certain code Engaging in selfregulated learning or deep learning

Learning How to Learn

How to be a better learner

How to inquire and construct knowledge

How to engage in the scientific method, historical method, and/or other forms of inquiry

How to pursue selfdirected or intentional learning

Developing a learning agenda and plan, becoming an intentional learner, becoming skilled in autodidaxy, being a reflective practioner

Commit to taking care of yourself through proper diet and exercise. Take time to stay abreast of relevant scientific advances. Identify ways you are able to help others fulfill their educational and other needs. Identify and acknowledge your own limitations in performing x Identify steps for preparing yourself to deliver bad news. Recognize when more information is needed and seek help and resources. Value and develop the skills of life-long learning. Identify and access resources useful for obtaining information regarding human and medical genetics. Develop & prioritize hypotheses relating to patients problem. Research questions related to evidence-based medicine. Describe and apply the fundamental scientific principles necessary for the practice of medicine. Reflect on your performance on x and develop an action plan for continued growth and development. Identify factors (such as your upbringing, culture, life experience, stage of professional development, values, etc.) that might make interactions with some patients challenging. Use evidence-based medicine to guide self-education.

Table 3: Teaching/Learning Strategies Best Suited for Each Dimension of Learning

Desired Dimension Foundational Knowledge (understanding, remembering) Application (critical & practical thinking, creativity, managing projects, performance skills) Integration (connecting ideas, disciplines, people, realms) Human Dimension (leadership, ethics, teamwork; social, cultural, political, environmental implications) Caring (wanting to succeed, developing a keen interest, making a commitment) Learning to Learn (becoming a better learner, inquiring & constructing knowledge, being self-directed) Suggested Teaching/Learning Strategies Presentation, lecture, question-and-answer, large and small group discussion, development of learning issues, independent study, review session, teaching others, game, web-based instruction Hands-on procedure, lab, live or video demonstration, simulation, case study, role-play, action plan, teaching others, question-and-answer, brainstorming, problem-solving, trouble-shooting, journal club, developing research questions, theory and model building, project, critical review, direct patient contact, precepting, guided practice with feedback What if, compare and contrast, concept mapping, cross-disciplinary teams, cross-disciplinary cases, multiple examples within & across contexts, theory & model building, integrated curriculum Case study, simulated patients, patient presentations, working in diverse teams, authentic project, group project, direct patient contact, assigned leadership role, debate, journal club (e.g., using ethics articles) Authentic project, role modeling, self-selection activity, debate, reflective writing, positive reinforcement, learning prescription Self-assessment, self- and peer-feedback, teaching others, reflective writing, formative assessment, self-awareness exercise/inventory

Teacher & Educational Development, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, 2005

ATTACHMENT B BLOOMS TAXONOMY (Bloom, Taxonomy of Educational Objectives Handbook, 1956)

Table 1: Example Action Verbs for Each Level of Learning

Category
Knowledge (Recall and Understanding) Application Associate Compare Contrast Define Calculate Demonstrate Draw Employ Advocate Analyze Assess Challenge Compose Describe Differentiate Distinguish Identify Estimate Give example Illustrate Locate Conclude Construct Create Critique Debate

Example Action Verbs

Indicate List Name Paraphrase Measure Operate Perform Prescribe Decide Defend Derive Design Evaluate Recognize Repeat Restate Review Record Set up Sketch Solve Formulate Infer Judge Organize Plan Show State Summarize Tell Trace Use

Problem-Solving (Analyzing, Synthesizing, Evaluating)

Propose Rank Recommend Select Suggest

Table 2: Levels of Thinking/Learning

Category
Knowledge

Dimension
Recalling

Definition
Rote recall: Know common terms, specific facts, methods, procedures,concepts, principles Interpolation or interpretation: Understand, estimate future implied consequences, justify methods and procedures Using a concept in a new context: Apply theory, solve problems, construct graphs, demonstrate procedure Breaking something down and understanding its structure, the relationship between parts, the organizational principles: Recognize unstated assumptions and logical fallacies, distinguish between facts & inferences, determine relevance Building a structure/pattern from diverse elements: Write well-organized essay, propose research question, develop plan for solving a problem, formulate a classification scheme Judging the value of ideas, works, solutions, materials: Judge logical consistency, adequacy of data in support of conclusions, value of work by internal & external standards

Example Objectives
Name the major bones of the leg. List five causes of joint pain. Define deep fascia. Explain the autoimmune mechanism. State the present problem in your own words. Describe the process of differential diagnosis. Given x symptoms, compare & contrast y & z approaches to treatment. Provide example of appropriate use of x treatment. Use chart to calculate appropriate dosage for a 45-pound child. Apply genetics concept to determine potential outcomes in a pregnant woman with x disease. Perform a physical exam according to established procedure. Diagram the mechanism leading to shortness of breath in interstitial lung disease. Determine which of the patients symptoms can be explained by the primary diagnosis. Select lab tests which should be done based on patient symptoms, history, and physical exam. Relate the patients symptoms to side effects of the medicine she is taking. Distinguish between findings which are and are not significant to the presenting problem. Rank order hypotheses concerning the cause of the patients symptoms. Diagnose the patients problem. Construct a flow chart which ties together all elements of patients findings. Create a care map for the treatment of a diabetic patient. Write an article describing a research project. Select the most effective treatment from an array of options. Select the most qualified candidate for a specified position. Evaluate the reliability and validity of research claims/statistics. Assess peers and your own SOAP notes based on established criteria. Critique research proposal and provide suggestions for improvement.

Comprehending

Application

Applying

ProblemSolving

Analyzing

Synthesizing

Evaluating

Table 3: Teaching/Learning Strategies Best Suited for Each Level of Learning

Desired Dimension
Knowing and comprehending Applying Analyzing Synthesizing Evaluating

Suggested Presentational Strategies

Presentation, lecture, question-and-answer, small group discussion, development of learning issues, self-awareness exercises/tests, review sessions, teaching others, independent study, web-based instruction Hands-on, lab, demonstration, case study, live or video demonstration, simulation, role-playing, action plan, teaching others, direct patient contact, guided practice with feedback, precepting, role-modeling Question-and-answer, brainstorming, case study, problem-solving, trouble-shooting, role-playing, article discussion Case study, writing, concept mapping, theory and model building, teaching others, developing research questions, direct patient contact Case study, critical review, self and group assessment/reflection, reflective writing, direct patient contact

Teacher & Educational Development, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, 2005