3 Steps to Help You Write Better Learning Objectives

Writing clear, concise, and effective learning objectives or outcomes can be a tricky business. Each objective should begin with an action verb that fits the level of learning being tested. Here's a step-by-step approach to writing them.

#1  Base them on Bloom's

Start by basing the objectives on Bloom's Taxonomy, listed here in ascending order of complexity, from the simplest level to the most complex:

• Remembering: Recalling information
• Understanding: Explaining a new concept
• Applying: Using information in a new way
• Analyzing: Differentiating between different parts
• Evaluating: Supporting a stand or decision
• Creating: Devising a new product or point of view

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#2  Write a stem

The stem sets up each objective and outlines the task and timetable. Here are a few examples:

• After completing the lesson, the student will be able to:
• By completing the assigned activities, the student will demonstrate the ability to:
• At the conclusion of the course/unit/study, the student will:

#3 Action!

Using an action verb, list the actual product, process, or outcome. Like so:

• identify key structures of the cardiovascular system
• discuss the roles of the heart, arteries and veins as a part of the cardiovascular system
• list common infectious diseases
• identify the links in the chain of infection
• differentiate between the stages of disease
• describe the body's defense mechanisms
• demonstrate the performance of hand washing with soap and water
• demonstrate the performance of hand sanitization with an alcohol-based hand rub

Helpful verbs

Here's a handy guide to help you come up with just the write verb to start off your objective.

Adapted from www.educationoasis.com