Learning objectives are a critical step when designing a course because they serve as a foundation for the entire learning experience. Learning objectives are specific, measurable, and attainable statements that outline what learners are expected to know, understand, or be able to do upon completing the course.
- Course Planning requires that instructors design with Program, Course and Learning Objectives in mind. Goals and objectives drive the design of the course and should be aligned to all designed activities.
- Program Objectives are statements of long range intended outcomes of the program and the curriculum. They describe the knowledge, skills, and dispositions expected of graduates and should be consistent with the mission of the program and the mission of the institution.
- Course Objectives are broad statements that are not directly assessed. They would be difficult to measure directly because the overarch topics of the entire course. Course level objectives answer the question, What do I want the students to know and be able to do by the end of the course. In other words, What do I want the students to have mastery of at the end of the course?
- Lesson Objectives are used to demonstrate that a student has mastery of the course level objectives. This is done by building lesson level objectives that build toward the course level objective. For example, a student might need to demonstrate master of 5 lesson-level objectives in order to demonstrate mastery of 1 course-level objective.
- Bloom’s Taxonomy serves as a tool for designing learning experiences. Lesson level objectives directly support the course level objectives, therefore helping instructors plan learning paths that enable students to reach mastery of the course level objectives. Use Bloom’s Taxonomy to make sure that the verbs chosen for lessons level objectives build to the level of the verb that is in the course level objective.
- Instructors can get Program Objectives and Course Level Objectives from your Program Director or Department Chair.
Resources
Using Blooms Taxonomy to Write Effective Learning Objectives