Setting Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Learning Objectives - An Overview

So far in this module, we discussed decisions you need to make to define and refine the focus and scope of your lesson. We contemplated the subject matter and educational standards alignment, and considered the the need to establish a lesson topic and a broad instructional goals. Now, we'll spend some time addressing the process of creating measurable learning and performance objectives that represent master of the task. 

Writing Learning Objectives

Effective learning objectives can take many forms. A brief review of writing learning objectives for Adult Education is provided on page 79 of Just Write! Guide published by the American Institutes of Research for the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education Links to an external site.. [Note: the guide is in the public domain ... yay!]. As recommended within the Just Write! Guide, when writing learning objectives for Adult Education lessons, the objectives must be "specific, outcome-based, and measurable, and they must describe learner behavior" (p.79). The following ABCD model of writing objectives is described in the Just Write! Guide based on recommendations by Heinich, Molenda, Russell, and Smaldino (2001):

Writing Learning Objectives

Examples of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, the adult learner should be able to:

  • Determine the distance between two cities to within plus or minus 10 miles, when given a map of the United States.
  • Balance a checkbook without errors when given a blank statement and checkbook.
  • Correctly write the formula for converting yards into meters from memory.

Note:  For a sample list of action verbs, see a Glossary of Learning Objective Verbs Links to an external site..

Example.png Back to our example ...

Before we move on, let’s look back to our prior example and the broad instructional purpose or goal and consider possible learning objectives based on this instructional goal:

Purpose / Goal of Instruction:  The purpose of this lesson is for students to learn new vocabulary, practice reading, and hone their conversation skills while learning about the use of the penny in the United States.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, the adult learners should be able to:

  • Brainstorm ideas and write words to describe a penny when working with peers in a small group. 
  • Given a worksheet of vocabulary words pertaining to the penny, discuss word meanings with peers and write the definition on the worksheet.
  • Recognize and implement the defined vocabulary words into the incomplete sentences.
  • Participate in a debate to discuss if the penny should be eliminated from the United States currency.
  • Articulate their opinion in writing on their position if the penny should be kept or eliminated from the United States currency providing logically ordered reasons supported by facts and details.

Now that you have reviewed how to create lesson objectives, it is also important to recognize how you will assess the learner's mastery of these objectives. Next, we will review tools to assess learning outcomes.