1. 1 Writing Objectives Writing Instructional Objectives Presented by Tillman J. Ragan, Ph.D. Patricia L. Smith, Ph.D.

2. 2 Writing Objectives Instructional Objectives Other names  Performance objectives  Behavioral objectives  Learning objectives Definition A description of the evidence (usually behavior) that we will accept as evidence that the learner canachieve the objective

3. 3 Writing Objectives Goals Goal statements are usually less precise and are larger in scope than objectives.  Course goals  Unit goals  Lesson objectives

4. 4 Writing Objectives Advantages of Objectives For designers and instructors  Clarify instructional intent  Guide development of assessment and evaluation  Aid in selection of course content and strategies  Provide means of communication with students, teachers, parents, and others

5. 5 Writing Objectives Advantages of Objectives For students  permit them to direct their own learning, saving time and reducing anxiety  permit them to select cognitive strategies  give students an indication of how they will be tested  all them to monitor their own learning

6. 6 Writing Objectives Advantages of Objectives For educational community  facilitate communication  identify gaps and overlaps  suggests evaluation

7. 7 Writing Objectives Potential Problems with Objectives Lower order objectives are easier to write Can have a ceiling effect Can be time-consuming to write Require year-to-year refinement Not appropriate for classes in which objectives “emerge”

8. 8 Writing Objectives Three Components of Objectives “Terminal” behavior  performance activity that can be observed Conditions of demonstration  situation in which the student will be required to demonstrate the learning Performance standard or criterion*  how well the learner must perform the task

9. 9 Writing Objectives “Terminal” Behavior Performance or activity that can be observed or recorded Ambiguous Words know understand appreciate grasp become familiar w/ become aware of Action Words select solve apply assemble align adjust

10. 10 Writing Objectives Conditions of Demonstration Describes the situation in which the student will be required to demonstrate the learning May be  aids or tools  restrictions placed on students  how information my be presented

11. 11 Writing Objectives Performance Standards* Minimal level of performance that will be acceptable as evidence that the learner has achieved the objective. Types of standards  Occurence  Accuracy  Number of errors  According to a known reference

12. 12 Writing Objectives Example Given a Horizon Z System, standard tool kit, spares kit, and at least one symptom of a common malfunction The student can return the system to normal operation The system should  function within specs  have no cosmetic or structural damage  have no more than one unnecessary spare used