How to Write Clear Objectives
When I first became an instructor, it was very difficult for me to write objectives on the board. They kept looking short and sweet--kind of like a "things to do" or grocery list. Thanks to the advice of a colleague, I have improved my objective writing. We use a resource called Bloom's Taxonomy. It gives a list of various terms (action words) that can be used to help write objectives. This resource has helped me tremendously, and I recommend it to any teacher who has had the same problem.
Writing a course objective is very important it is set the content, assessment strategies, timeframe by which students will learn or accomplish it and help to measure learning outcome.
I liked the ABCD memory system for writing objectives, as well. I also liked one of the first basic objective writing techniques I learned...WHO will do WHAT by WHEN and HOW.
The who reminds you to identify the learner.
The what reminds you to identify the level or skill and degree they will learn it.
The When reminds you to identify the timeframe by which they will learn or accomplish it.
The How reminds you of how you will measure the learning outcome or how the objective will be acocomplished and to what standard.
We also use Bloom's Taxonomy in writing course level and module level objectives. Writing a course objective sets the stage for the course outline, content and assessment strategies. These should all align.
Hi Angela,
Bloom's Taxonomy is a great resource for writing objectives. I have developed a system for writing objectives that may be of help to you. The steps are A - B - C - D.
A audience, learners
B behavior, what do you want them to do.
C condition, what are the circumstances they will be working in.
D degree, what is the level of proficiency or passing for that activity?
If you remember this simple 4 step method combined with Bloom's words you will writing awesome objectives for years to come.
Gary
