A2 - Clarity of Objectives: Objectives consistently include demonstrable learning outcomes.

Sometimes unit tasks are confused with learning objectives. The learning objective is how students will demonstrate their learning.

"Translate" your objectives so they include measurable verbs. Here’s a nice chart with Bloom’s taxonomy verbs.

Examples

Poor Outcomes Statements

Here are some examples of poorly written outcomes and why they are not appropriate:

"Read unit one in your e-text book or printed textbook."

This is an instruction or task, not an outcome. Students may read an e-text or textbook as content in the learning unit, but this does not describe the intended outcome of the learning process.

"Understand the importance of managing records."

There is no true way to assess "understanding" as this is an internal process. You might assess memorization of facts or the application of a theory in a practical matter, but because it is difficult to concretely measure, "understand" is a deadly verb that should never be used in a learning outcome. Rather, think of what students would actually do that illustrates understanding, and use that verb instead.

Better Outcomes Statements

At the end of this week, you'll be able to:

Summarize why the American colonists were successful in defeating the British in the American Revolution
Make inferences and draw conclusions between conflicts over taxation in the colonies to the same issues in present-day United States

[Active, measurable verbs highlighted]

Need more guidance of how to write effective objectives? Use this ABCD Model.