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Objective Writing Ready Reference
(Revised 09-17-12)
Objectives are specific, observable, and measurable learning outcomes.
There are four components of an objective:
1.
conditions (the set-up for success),
2.
audience (students),
3.
behavior (the action verb – the most important element),
4.
standard (here “standard” means measurable action)
The action verb states precisely what the student will do following instruction. Verbs are categorized by domains of learning and various hierarchies. Bloom’s Taxonomy is a helpful guide.
Bloom’s Taxonomy
1.
Knowledge
2.
Comprehension
3.
Application
4.
Analysis
5.
Synthesis
6.
Evaluation
The behavior is the verb that describes what the learner (audience) will be able to do after the instruction. This is the heart of the objective and MUST be measurable AND observable. In addition, these verbs MUST be specific. Verbs such as know, understand, comprehend, and appreciate are difficult to measure and are therefore not good choices for objectives.
The following verbs cannot be measured or are redundant. They should be avoided when writing objectives.
1.
shows interest in
2.
appreciation for
3.
knows
4.
awareness of
5.
has knowledge of
6.
capable of
7.
learns
8.
comprehend

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9.
memorizes
10.
conscious of
11.
understands
Sample Objectives:
1.
After reading the story, ______, students will locate the theme of the selected text in order to paraphrase, in writing, the author’s purpose.
2.
Following the teacher’s demonstration, the students will select the appropriate terms to compose a summary of the first part of the story, ____.
Checklist for Meaningful Learning Objectives
 Does it contain the four basic parts (condition, audience, behavior, standard) stated in precise, observable, measurable terms?
 Is the objective aligned to state standards and/or Common Core standards?
 Does it tell what the learner will be able to do at the end of the lesson?
 Is it realistically obtainable during the activity?
Reference: http://www.naacls.org/docs/announcement/writing-objectives.pdf
GROUP ASSIGNMENT
1.
Work in groups, no larger than four.
2.
Pick one objective from a lesson plan taught today.
3.
Analyze it to see if it has all four parts, if not, work together to add them.
4.
Check it against the Checklist for Meaningful Objectives.
5.
Record your final product on a sheet of chart paper, underlining the original objective.
6.
Share out with the larger group 1) what your group started with and 2) how you changed it and why.
Sample Work Product (to be placed on chart paper)
After reading a variety of passages and constructing maps, students will summarize their changed perceptions of Africa through an oral presentation to the class.