Learning objective
A testable description of what somebody must be able to do afterwards
A learning objective describes, in observable behaviour, what a participant can do afterwards, under which conditions and to what standard. Not knowing the gas detection procedure, but carrying out the correct isolation sequence within two minutes of a gas alarm. The verb makes the difference: knowing and understanding cannot be tested, performing and recognising can.
Everything in a training design follows from the learning objective: the content, the format, the length and above all the assessment. Without a sharp objective, the assessment becomes a check on whether somebody clicked through the module, and that measures nothing.
The practical test is whether you can see from the objective how you would assess it. If you cannot, the objective is too vague. Creating awareness around safety is not a learning objective; being able to point out three deviations along a pipe run is. This is also where a training project is won or lost, because the wrong objective produces material that is correct and changes nothing.
How do you write a good learning objective?
How many learning objectives belong in a module?
Who writes the learning objectives?
Want to apply Learning objective in your own training programme?
We are happy to think along about the approach that fits your installation, your audience and your timeline.
Milan
Business development, STARK Learning