learning objectives – Content Services Provider, India

To create SMART learning objectives, you must consider the following rules:

Learning objectives come in the form of statements and contain a Verb (an action) and an object (usually a noun) in each statement.

The verb is a reference to the actions associated with the anticipated cognitive process.
The object (usually a noun) depicts the behavior, attitude, or knowledge expected to be acquired by and exhibited from the learner after the learning session.

The steps for creating effective learning objectives are as follows:

Create a Stem: Learning objectives must be made with a stem that shows the end result of the program. It gives a clear picture of the outcome of the learning process. You can use any of the examples while creating a stem.

After the workshop, seminar, training session or a class the learner will be able to…
After finishing this activity, the learner will have…
After the completion of this part of study or training, the student or learner will…
On the conclusion of the unit/course/session/study, the learner or a student will…

For example: The learner will be able to speak with confidence on any topic.
OR
The learner will list the steps involved in the process of creating a business report.

Add a Verb: After creating a stem you need to add a verb. It will show the observable action, which learner should be able to do. The following table shows the various verbs associated with the action or outcome intended and expected from the learner.

If you want the learner to exhibit knowledge after going through the instructions and learning, use the following verbs in the learning objectives you devise.

To gauge the understanding of the concepts, you can test the ability or knowledge of learners by using the following verbs in learning:

To know the capability of the learner to apply the knowledge imparted under the learning program, you can use the following verbs in your learning objectives.

You can also check the ability of the learners to analyze or evaluate by using the following verbs.

You can also test the ability of the learner to synthesize or to create by using any of the following verbs.

As an instructor, guide or a teacher you would want to know whether the learners or students are able to evaluate and assess the concepts or ideas. For this, you can use the following verbs in your learning objectives.

In the process of planning the learning objectives, you can follow some of the following points for better results.

Commence with an action which is observable and measurable.
Do not use words that are ambiguous or open to different readings.
When required, you must state the criterion or expected standard of performance.
Try to keep in mind the intellect of the learners at the time of starting. Then you can devise the learning objectives which will take them to the next level.
Ensure to include all the major concepts or points when you are creating the learning objectives.

In a nutshell, to achieve the desired result from a training or e-learning course, you need to have the objectives clearly defined. Creation of learning objectives, hence, serves the purpose for all its participants and makes the learning process more enriching, inspiring, and successful.

Also Read: Learning Objectives: Commencing with End in Mind

Learning Objectives: Commencing with End in Mind

Learning ought to be a continuous process to stay up with the latest trends. It is not only restricted to the academic lot but includes all who wish to grow. Learning can be in the form of classroom learning, e-learning, by way of actually doing it. No matter what method of learning it is, it will always come with an objective that must be achieved at the end of it. A learning objective is a statement of expected results from a learning session or training module. It can take the form of a list enumerating what the learner is expected to achieve or accomplish after undergoing the learning module.

Learning objectives must be written clearly in the form of learning outcomes. Moreover, these objectives must be measurable or quantifiable. They must aim to elicit the desired behavior from the learner and also help the instructor to make sure that learning took place as planned. No organization would spend money on a learning program that fails to achieve the learning objectives and serves no purpose. Planning of learning objectives can help the organization reap various benefits, as discussed below.

Advantages of Learning Objectives

Learning objectives help in focusing on focus learning areas for better performance.
These objectives aid the course developers and trainers in course planning and organizing a course into logical modules.
Learning objectives help the instructors to customize the learning material as per the requirement.
They allow establishing a relation between the content and the assessments, according to the learning theories.
They make learners aware about the course they will go through and what is expected from them upon its completion.
They eventually serve as a basis for appraising the performance of not only the learner but also of the instructor or the effectiveness of the learning program.

The above-mentioned advantages clearly emphasize on the need of having the learning objectives in place, with utmost attention and prudence. Therefore, while planning, it must be ensured that the objectives qualify on SMART parameters. SMART is an acronym that stands for:

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Time Bound

Setting SMART learning objectives will make the training or learning modules more effective, practical, and relevant. It is noteworthy that straying away from the clearly-written learning objectives may render your learning efforts a futile exercise.

Learning Theories

There are various theories used for creation of effective learning objectives. Some of commonly known theories include the Bloom’s Taxonomy, Simpson’s Taxonomy of the Psychomotor Domain and Harrow’s Taxonomy of Psychomotor Domain. Among these, Bloom’s Taxonomy is widely used to create effective learning objectives. Developed by Benjamin S. Bloom, the theory covers three domains which are to be followed during the learning program. The categories covered are as follows:

Cognitive Domain (intellectual competence i.e. knowledge)
Affective Domain (behaviour, feelings, attitude)
Psychomotor Domain (physical or manual set of skills)

The domains are explained as:

Cognitive Domain: Under cognitive category, Bloom has divided it into six stages covering lowest to highest form of cognitive learning. The six levels covered under it are as follows.
- Knowledge: It involves understanding, memorizing, or simply recalling information shared by the facilitators or instructors.
- Comprehension: This stage is characterized by profound understanding of the concepts, ideas or information imparted by the trainer, instructor, or a facilitator. The learner—after proper grasp of the concepts—is able to come up with the theories in his own words.
- Application: In this level, the learner is able to put his knowledge to practical use. It involves practical application of the knowledge
- Analysis: This level lands the learner into analysis mode where he breaks down the information and concepts learnt in the previous stages. He is able to analyze and draw logical conclusions.
- Synthesis: In this phase, on the basis of the learning process, the learner is able to combine the pieces of knowledge, ideas, and information in a coherent manner. He is equipped to come up with his own set of innovations and creative ideas on various topics.Evaluation: At this stage, both the learners and instructors can easily evaluate and appraise the performance. Critical feedback is an important component in the entire process for improving the end result.
Affective Domain: It is a vital factor in the theory of Bloom’s Taxonomy. This domain relates to the emotional well-being of the learner. It takes into account the feelings, emotions and attitudes of the learners. It aims to boost confidence and self-esteem of the learner.
Psychomotor Domain: This category includes physical well-being of the learner to ensure active participation. It focuses on the use of one’s own hands or equipment to find the answers or solutions.

Of all the above mentioned domains, it is primarily the cognitive domain that is considered while formulating learning objectives. You can use Bloom’s Taxonomy to make the learning process more comprehensive and the result of it more wholesome.

Also Read: How to Create Learning Objectives

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How to Create Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives: Commencing with End in Mind