Formulation of Training Objectives
Formulation of Training Objectives
By Thanziza Samsudeen
History
Objectives were conceptualized and used during
WWII as a way to make teaching and learning more efficient. In the late 1950s and in the 1960s this approach was applied to the public schools. By the 1960s health professions schools were developing behavioral objectives. 1962 = publication of Preparing Instructional objectives by Robert F. Mager
What is an Objective?
Objectives are statements which describe
what the learner is expected to achieve as a result of instruction. Because they direct attention to the student and the types of behaviors they should exhibit, sometimes these statements are called behavioral objectives.
Some other names you will see for behavioral objectives include:
Learning objectives Outcomes
Enabling objectives
Terminal objectives Educational objectives Performance objectives Instructional objectives Aims Competencies
Goals vs Objectives
Course goals Describe the overall purpose of the course within the larger curriculum Course objectives Break down goals into measurable behaviors that demonstrate competency Ensure successful accomplishment of course goals
Characteristics of Goals
Broad, vague
Precise
Concrete Measurable Competency based Always stated in terms of the learner
Psychomotor (doing)
Affective (feeling)
Statements of affective outcomes include: show sensitivity to accept responsibility demonstrate commitment to
Components of an Objective
Audience
Observable Behavior
Condition of performance Degree/criteria
Audience
The learner who will be doing the behavior Undergraduate students Graduate students Professionals Government personnel
Observable Behavior
What will the learner be able to do as a result of learning?
Condition
What are the conditions under which the learners must
Degree or Criteria
What are the standards of acceptable performance -
behavior Keep statements short and focused on a single outcome Explain expectations for student behavior, performance & understanding Use specific terminology that has limited interpretation to ensure that all students understand the same interpretation.
Describe
Prioritize Identify Define
List
Apply
Contrast
Summarize Design Predict
Evaluate
Others????
Checklist
Is the learning objective written in terms of
observable, behavioral outcomes? Is the learning objective clear and concise? Does the learning objective describe expectations of student performance at the completion of instructional activity? Does the learning objective utilize an effective action verb that targets the desired level of performance?
Checklist
Are the learning objective aligned with the instructional
activities and assessments? Does the learning objective specify appropriate conditions for performance? Is the learning objective written in terms of observable, behavioral outcomes? Is the learning objective clear and easily understood by the learner? Are the learning objectives identified and reinforced in each module or learning unit?
Learner Objectives should be specific Objectives should be realistic Not to over promise & under deliver Objectives should be time bound
participation Move from simple to complex Move from Known to the Unknown Move from Generic to Specific Maintain momentum of the program Provide opportunity to recap and reflect Establish common terminology