List of Verbs for Formulating Learning Objectives
1. These verbs communicate knowledge
Information
Cite
Indicate
Recite
State
Identify
Read
Select
Draw
Quote
Repeat
Write
Point
Relate
Trace
Describe
Record
Tell
Define
Name
Tabulate
Count
List
Recognize
Describe
Express
Compute
Interpret
Explain
Predict
Distinguish
Review
Locate
Compare
Interpolate
Translate
Discuss
Restate
Classify
Extrapolate
Contrast
Employ
Operate
Restate
Use
Locate
Report
Translate
Dramatize
Relate
Solve
Demonstrate
Interpret
Sketch
Complete
Interpolate
Predict
Calculate
Illustrate
Practice
Schedule
Debate
Question
Differentiate
Distinguish
Contract
Inspect
Inventory
Diagram
Summarize
Appraise
Infer
Detect
Separate
Construct
Generalize
Prepare
Formulate
Plan
Specify
Organize
Propose
Compose
Produce
Collect
Detect
Assemble
Design
Manage
Determine
Measure
Critique
Judge
Revise
Grade
Recommend Test
Choose
Evaluate
Rate
Select
Assess
Rank
Project
Massage
Internalize
Comprehension
Associate
Differentiate
Report
Estimate
Application
Apply
Examine
Order
Review
Utilize
Analysis
Analyze
Experiment
Criticize
Synthesis
Arrange
Create
Integrate
Prescribe
Evaluation
Appraise
Estimate
Score
2. These verbs impact skills
Diagnose
Palpate
Integrate
Visualize
Measure
Hold
Empathize
Pass
3. These verbs convey attitudes
Acquire
Exemplify
Realize
Reflect
THESE VERBS ARE BETTER AVOIDED:
Verbs that are often used but are open to many interpretations
Appreciate
Have faith in Know
Learn
Understand
Believe
Adapted from “Instrumentation of Bloom’s and Krathwohl’s Taxonomies for the Writing of Educational Objectives” by Metfessel,
Newton S., Michael, William B., and Kirsner, Donald A., in Psychology in the Schools, Vol. VI, No. 3, pp.227-231, July 1969
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Writing Learning Objectives
Example 1
Program Planning
Describe the program briefly:
Residents will cook and eat dinner together.
List the one or two learning objectives for the program. These must be measurable outcomes.
As a result of attending and participating in this program, residents will be able to:
Feel
as thought they are part of community
Enjoy
interactions with one another.
Program Evaluation
Did you accomplish your learning objectives? If “yes”, how do you know? If “no”, why not?
I think that everyone had a pretty good time together. One of my residents told me she really liked the
program and the free food.
How could the program be improved?
I wish I had asked for more money because I ended up going over the approved budget.
Example 2
Program Planning
Describe the program briefly:
Residents will cook and eat dinner together. I will buy the cooking supplies and demonstrate a couple of
easy and inexpensive recipes. During dinner we will discuss “smart shopping” and I will hand out some
research I have done about preparing meals on a budget.
List the one or two learning objectives for the program. These must be measurable outcomes.
As a result of attending and participating in this program, residents will be able to:
Prepare
a healthy and cost effective meal for themselves.
Shop
for food in an educated and deliberate manner that ultimately saves them time and money
Program Evaluation
Did you accomplish your learning objectives? If “yes”, how do you know? If “no”, why not?
I think that at least five of my residents really got something out of this program. They commented to me
that they really enjoyed it and they would like to do it again next block with another recipe. On Saturday
we are having a “cook-off” challenge where competing residents will prepare a meal with ingredients
they have purchased for less than $15. The winner (based on taste and how well they followed the
budget) will win a $10 gift certificate to Wooglins.
How could the program be improved?
I’d like to advertise more and next time use a recipe that another resident has and have him/her
demonstrate the cooking.
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