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Introduction

Learning outcomes, behavioral objectives, learning objectives, performance objectives, and instructional objectives all refer to statements or descriptions of how and what the student will achieve at the end of a course or unit.

Instructors use learning objectives to design, develop, implement, and assess instruction. During the design and development phases, instructors transform the course topics into clear, observable learning objectives. After defining the learning objectives, instructors use them as guides for instructional strategies and developing learning activities. Instructors use learning objectives to communicate their expectations to students. Instructors also use learning objectives to create student assessments.

What is a learning objective?

A specific, observable, and measurable statement that describes what a student will be able to do at the end of the course.

Objectives:

• are more specific than instructional goals (goals are broad)
• define or describe an action
• describe an intended result, not the instructional process
• are specific to the student, not the instructor
• drive student performance

The purpose and function of learning objectives

Learning objectives:

• streamline course planning
• provide a means for evaluating course outcomes
• help you select content, materials, and methods that makeup the learning experience
• articulate instructional goals
• provide students with a guide for self-assessment