Writing Learning Objectives
What are Learning Objectives?
Learning Objectives are just as the term implies, objectives to be learned. Or in other words, learning-needs that have been identified.
Technically, one learning objective is an individual step that will incrementally lead to the ultimate goal.
Reducing the term further, drop the word learning and we are left with the word "objective, something to do, accomplish, means to a long-term goal."
Course Goal vs Terminal Objective?
Often the term is misused, a course goal is a broad statement that should include several learning objectives. Goal is the keyword here, in that each individual learning objective will take the learner toward the end goal one step at a time.
Terminal objective is the end goal, this is the same as Course Goal. Just a matter of word preference.
Writing Learning Objectives?
Writing Learning Objectives is the process of aligning identifiable learning needs to the target audience and learning levels in the learning hierarchy.
Writing Learning Objectives is the process of extracting a single learning objective (traditionally from a topic unit.) Writing a stem, adding a one word specialized verb to also--within the development environment--be utilized as a means to measure the designated learning objective within the larger training progress.
Learning Objectives originate during the the Analysis Phase of the eLearning Instructional Design process. Read More...Analysis Phase
How to Write Learning Objectives - Examples
Finally, after creating the stem, adding a verb, you then attach a topic unit relevant statement to completed the learning objective.
Example 1: From memory(the stem) the learner will recall(recall is the verb) three major east coast highways(a statement from the topic.)
Example 2: From memory(the stem) the learner will recall(recall is the verb) four highway yellow sign safety rules.
Difference between behavioral, learning, performance, enabling, educational, or instructional objective?
From the learners view the difference is a matter if indistinguishable semantics, from the ISD perspective...the domain methodology dictates the proper term to use.
Writing Learning Objectives to clearly define and are consistent with the course goal.
Defining the overall course goal is crucial in establishing individual objectives of what the learner will learn in broad terms.
All of the above mentioned objectives are short individual one step actions that support the course goals course end-goal--hence the term terminal--or main objective.
o...is for objective
Where Do Learning Objectives Come From?
Learning Objective or often referred to as a "gap" in traditional elearning instructional design circles, are first identified during the Analysis Phase. The origin of the gap should have been expressed or observed as a performance problem.
This performance issue would later be classified into perhaps one or several topics to address the identified gap. Each gap would finally dissected and reduced to individual units. One of theses units would represent one Learning Objective.
Utilizing the Objectives
How does an instructional designer transform Analysis information to learning practice?
This process has to do with first clarifying the learning objectives or gaps, second, create a first draft course outline and finally, extracting an objective(s) from each of the individual units listed under the subject, topic, and topic individual units.
What Are The 3 Main Components of Learning Objectives?
Task, Condition, Proficiency Criteria
Task: Action or the something to do.
Condition: Often, the performing a task objective alone is not enough to translate into on the job performance. That is where a condition enters the process.
An example would be, given reference material(the condition) can a student complete their task.
Proficiency: How fast, how accurate, level of quality.
Given reference materials, can the student identity the 3 components of objectives within three seconds?(condition), with no errors(accuracy.)
Some objectives may also require a third element of proficiency, the element of quality.
Given a set of tools, can the student lubricate 13 critical points, within 13 seconds, with 100% accuracy, with no excess lubricant overflow(level of quality.)
Follow the eLearning Instructional Design Blog...Learning Objectives Blog
How to Use Learning Objectives?
Once established, the objectives permeate throughout the course from the beginning screen, into each content screen in one form or another, each knowledge check, activity screen, practice screen until the final assessment.
In the Analysis Phase the objectives identified the perceivable gap and to guarantee success of the training the objectives should address this gap in every screen.
Summary
Writing learning objectives start with first defining the broad course goal. The course goal can contain several subjects. Next, break down each subject into lessons. Each lesson should include a lesson objective. You are now ready to sub-divide and develop and individual unit or unit-topic from the lesson objective/goal. From the topic you will extract an individual learning objective. The learning objective should be written in direct relation to address the knowledge level at which the student is training to perform.
ROI
This Return of Investment (ROI) is dependant on how accurate on first identifying the gap and how precise the content.
Contact Me - Link Below
If you need advice on how to;
To help make your elearning projects efficient, reusable, self-maintenance(so all staffers can easily make updates), project makeover, training project review, please send me an e-mail using the link provided at the bottom of the screen.
It is important to understand all the underlying technical details and learning theories in order to create the most effective training. You need someone who understands the complexities of production yet using practical experience can produce simplistic training.
Include a link to your training website project you wish to be reviewed.
Be sure to check out the Flash eLearning examples in my portfolio, and feel free to contact contact me if you desire further discussion.