Administrator Support

A learning objective is a statement that identifies knowledge, skills, or values that will improve your [clerk? charge?]'s practice. They identify what a learner should know, be able to do, or value. Learning objectives are behavioral and describe how the student can achieve a specific objective of the clerkship; i.e. they are learner-centered statements. Effective learning objectives will:

• be learner-oriented
• focus on cognitive processes
• use action verbs
• be measurable where possible
• will specify a behavior, condition, and a criterion where possible

For example:

After completion of this unit you will be able to write a learning objective (behavior) that is action-oriented and focused on the learner’s cognitive processes (conditions) and can be measured by an appropriate assessment (criterion)

Additional Resources:

• Writing measurable learning objectives

References:

1. Allen, Mary J. Assessing Academic Programs in Higher Education. Bolton MA: Anker Publishing Company, Inc. 2004
2. Mager, R.F. Preparing instructional objectives: A critical tool in the development of effective instruction. Atlanta, GA: Center for Effective Performance. 1997
3. Wiggins, Grant, & McTigue, Jay. Understanding by Design. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. 2005