Writing Learning Objectives

Each session MUST have three Learning Objectives. Remember that sessions should be competency-based, so the objectives will be specific, measurable, and skill-based rather than focusing only on comprehension, understanding, or awareness. Consider what the "take away" lesson will be for the learner i.e. how will this lesson affect his or her practice or skill-set.

The following guidelines will assist you in the development of appropriate learning objectives.

• Step 1: Describe the information, skills, behaviors, or perspective participants in the session will acquire through attendance and participation.
• Step 2: Clearly indentify the outcomes or actions participants can expect to demonstrate as a result of the educational experience. Refer to the action word list below.
• Step 3: Write Learning Objectives that relate to these outcomes and that reflect the content of the session. Objectives describe the behavior of the learner and:
• are stated clearly;
• are not up for wide interpretation;
• define or describe an action; and
• are measurable, in terms of time, space, amount, and/or frequency.

SAMPLE ACTION WORD LIST

SAMPLE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

• List five indictors that link a healthy community to healthy economy;
• Articulate the procedure for assesing the health status of a patient with Alzheimer's disease; and
• Develop a care plan for a family of six supported by an annual income of $32,000 caring for a child who has cystic fibrosis.