What is the purpose of Learning Objectives?
According to R. F. Mager a psychologist and author who pioneered the development of learning objectives, an objective is a description of a performance you want learners to be able to exhibit before you consider them competent. An objective describes an intended result of instruction, rather than the process of instruction itself.
- One important purpose of learning objectives is to explicitly state what needs to
be accomplished for the learner to be competent. When objectives are clearly stated
they become fixed in the minds of faculty and learners and become the measuring stick
for determining competency. Assessments that measure whether learning objectives have
been accomplished can only be selected or designed after learning objectives have
been explicitly stated.
- A second purpose for learning objectives is to provide basis for the selection or
design of instructional material, learning activities, and teaching/learning strategies.
When faculty do not explicitly know where the class is going, it is difficult to select
a suitable means for learners to get there.
- A third purpose of learning objectives is to provide learners a means to identify their efforts needed for their accomplishment of the learning objectives. When learners do not know where they are going, it is difficult for them to consider what they need to pack for the trip.
References
Mager, R. F. (2004). Preparing instructional objectives. Jaico Publishing House.
Mager’s tips on instructional objectives. National Interagency Fire Center. (1999, September 6). https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/dispatch/id-bdc/training/m410_prework_mager.pdf
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Faculty Development and Innovation Center
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Last updated: December 12, 2024