Learning objectives should reflect the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities that learners should develop as a result of the accredited CE activity. Bloom's Taxonomy outlines learning domains that should be considered when writing learning objectives.
Helpful hint – Ask yourself “What do I want the learner to be able to do, or know how to do, at the end of the activity?”
- Write the learning objectives in behavioral terms using measurable action verbs that target the specified learning domain.
- Framing learning objectives in this way provides objective measurable indicators of behavioral change and thus the success of the education activity in promoting learner change.
- At least one learning objective is required per one hour of instruction, but no more than three.
Examples
As a result of attending this session, the learner will be able to:
- Identify the four leading causes of …
- Explain the steps required to …
- Discuss the methods employed to …
- Classify the types of …
Measurable action verbs
Target your learning objective for a particular learning domain, see table below for suggestions.
Knowledge | Comprehension | Application | Analysis | Synthesis | Evaluation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Remember previously learned information. | Demonstrate an understanding of the facts. | Apply knowledge to actual situations. | Break down objects or ideas into simpler parts and find evidence to support generalizations | Compile component ideas into a new whole or propose alternative solutions. | Make and defend judgments based on internal evidence or external criteria. |
Arrange | Compare | Apply | Analyze | Arrange | Appraise |
Define | Compose | Calculate | Appraise | Assemble | Argue |
Identify | Compile | Choose | Breakdown | Collect | Assess |
Label | Describe | Complete | Categorize | Combine | Choose |
List | Discuss | Construct | Compare | Comply | Compare |
Match | Explain | Demonstrate | Contrast | Compose | Conclude |
Name | Express | Dramatize | Debate | Construct | Contrast |
Recall | Identify | Employ | Determine | Create | Estimate |
Recite | Paraphrase | Illustrate | Diagram | Design | Evaluate |
Record | Provide Examples | Interpret | Differentiate | Develop | Interpret |
Relate | Recognize | Operate | Distinguish | Devise | Judge |
Repeat | Restate | Perform | Examine | Extend | Justify |
State | Tell | Practice | Experiment | Formulate | Measure |
Tell | Translate | Schedule | Inspect | Manage | Rate |
Underline |
| Sketch | Inventory | Organize | Revise |
|
| Solve | Outline | Plan | Score |
|
| Use | Question | Prepare | Select |
|
|
| Test | Propose | Support |
|
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|
| Setup |
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