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    Learning Objectives
    • 21 Aug 2023
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    Contents

    Learning Objectives

    • Updated on 21 Aug 2023
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    Article summary

    Definition

    Supporting skills, knowledge and attitudes that lead to mastery of a competency. Learning objectives serve as benchmarks. They represent the content, in terms of performance, and provide cues for the development of learning activities. 

    Sample Competency:  Interview for a job

    Sample learning objectives:

    • Explain the purpose of an interview
    • Identify appropriate job interview attire 
    • List the documents required for an interview

    Checklist

    • Learning objectives number 2–10 per competency
    • Learning objectives include supporting skills, concepts, procedures, processes, and/or principles a learner needs to perform the competency
    • Learning objectives begin with action verbs
    • Learning objectives are measurable and observable
    • Learning objectives are clear, concise, and precise description of skills, knowledge and attitudes
    • Learning objectives specify a single performance (one verb)

    While competencies set the target outcomes for the course, learning objectives form the basis for what is to be learned. Learning objectives are important for both the learner and the instructor.

    For the learner they:

    • Break the major skills into smaller pieces and give learners smaller goals that are less overwhelming.
    • Provide a roadmap for achieving mastery of the competency.
    • Provide benchmarks for learners to measure their progress towards achieving the competency.

    For the instructor they:

    • Detail the content that is embedded in the competency.
    • Guide the selection of learning activities (assignments).

    Relationship to Competencies

    Learning objectives are linked directly to a competency. There are usually 2–10 learning objectives per competency. Most often they are written at, or below, the level of the competency. If you cannot write at least two learning objectives for the competency, the competency may be too small.

    Guidelines for Writing Learning Objectives

    To write learning objectives:

    1. Ask, “What do learners need to know in order to perform this competency?”
    2. List any facts, concepts, procedures, processes, and/or principles that support the competency.
    3. Cross-out any prerequisite skills or content.
    4. If your list has many detailed items in it, consider combining some of them. 
    5. Write a performance statement for each item still on your list. You should have 2–10 learning objectives per competency.
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