How to write Learning Objectives - mozilla/webmaker-curriculum GitHub Wiki

What are learning objectives?

A learning objective is a description of the knowledge, skills, or habits of mind that learners should be able to demonstrate after completing an activity. Learning objectives should be SMART, that is:

Specific Measurable/Observable Attainable for target audience (within specificed time/conditions) Results-driven (i.e. focus on making/doing) Targeted to the learner and their particular stage

You can (and probably should) have multiple learning objectives for each session.

Useful tips and tricks

  • Try finishing off the sentence: "After this session, learners should be able to..."
  • Use an action verb (see section below) so you can observe the learning that takes place.
  • Consider where your learners are currently at in their development and set a realistic goal for the session.
  • Mozilla's pedagogy (theory of learning) is learning by making/doing so ensure your learners have opportunities to apply their knowledge and understanding.

Action verbs

Think about what you want your learners to achieve in the session. What kind of learning is it? Bloom's Taxonomy can be a helpful guide:

Bloom's Taxonomy

It can be useful to use 'action verbs' to focus attention on the type of learning you want. Here are some useful ones you may want to use when crafting your learning objectives:

Remember / Understand

Associate, Compare, Contrast, Define, Describe, Differentiate, Distinguish, Identify, Indicate, List, Name, Paraphrase, Recognize, Repeat, Restate, Review, Show, State, Summarize, Tell

Example: Compare and contrast information found using multiple searches.

Apply

Calculate, Demonstrate, Draw, Employ, Estimate, Give example, Illustrate, Locate, Measure, Operate, Perform, Prescribe, Record, Set up, Sketch, Solve, Trace, Use

Example: Locate relevant information by using search engines.

Analyze / Evaluate / Create

Advocate, Analyze, Assess, Challenge, Compose, Conclude, Construct, Create, Critique, Debate, Decide, Defend, Derive, Design, Evaluate, Formulate, Infer, Judge, Organize, Plan, Propose, Rank, Recommend, Select, Suggest

Example: Decide on the trustworthiness of information by identifying key indicators.

This page was created using this resource (PDF) as a guide. Please do update and adapt it in light of your experience with Webmaker Clubs!