Learning Objectives
Why are they needed?
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A key component of adult learning is understanding what
information or skill(s) participants will acquire by participating
in an event if session. This understanding can be reached by using
learning objectives.
Customarily derived from the needs assessment conducted earlier,
learning objectives assist participants in determining whether a
specific event or session meets their learning needs. Learning
objectives clearly map the direction of the content, how it will be
presented and the expected outcome for all parties involved.
Learn objectives are specific.
CREATNG LEARNING OBJECTIVES
It is essential that learning objectives be written from the
learner's perspective. Objectives should clearly state what a
participant will know or be able to do as a result of attending an
event or session.
Step 1
Learning objectives typically complete a statement.
- At the end of the session, participants will be able to….
Or
- Upon completion of the session, participants should be able
to….
Step 2
Connect the statement created in the previous step to the action
verb. This word represents what the participant will be able to do
or the action they will be able to undertake. Avoid using vague or
abstract words such as believe, value, appreciate, be aware of, be
familiar with etc.
Examples:
| Assess |
Diagnose |
Identify |
Plan |
| Analyze |
Differentiate |
Integrate |
Recommend |
| Compare |
Explain |
Manage |
Select |
| Demonstrate |
Establish |
Organize |
|
For a more complete list, please refer to the
List of Verbs for Formulating Learning Objectives.
Step 3
End the sentence with the details of what the participant will
be doing when they are demonstrating the action. The detail should
be specific and refer to the outcome of the learning objective.
Some Examples of Learning Objectives:
Personal Knowledge Management
At the end of the session, participants will be able to
- identify skills related the creation and use of knowledge that
is relevant and important to them
- describe the knowledge transfer / translation process when
dealing with information and
- apply methods that will allow for the creation, gathering,
distribution and use of knowledge and information.
Gap Analysis
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- understand the difference between subjective and objective
needs assessment and the importance of both
- utilize methods to identify the gap between current and desired
skill/competency and
- access resources to assist in filling in areas where gap in
knowledge or skill has been identified.
