Getting started. Writing behavioral objectives.

Abstract

Learning objectives, derived from the needs assessment, drive the rest of your offering. All learning objectives must be learner-oriented and stated in behavioral terms, describing what the learner will do to demonstrate that the objective has been achieved. Learning objectives are used as the basis for determining content, selecting learning activities, and evaluating both learner achievement and the effectiveness of the offering. Measurability is ensured by the use of observable action verbs (reminder: "will gain an understanding of ..." or "will have increased knowledge of ..." are not observable). Remember that you are designing offerings for adults, so the focus must be on applications that meet the needs of the participant. This means that you must aim at the higher levels of learning and use principles of adult learning.