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Writing Effective Learning Objectives

Every effective lesson (or unit),

starts with an effective learning objective.

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What is the Purpose of a LO?

The learning objective articulates the goal of the lesson.

“Student should be able to… “

to plan lessons that lead students towards achieving the objective
to plan for assessment, identifying appropriate evidence of achieving the objective

What Makes an Effective LO?

Measurable – LO’s should define a behavior that is observable and can be assessed.

Appropriate – LO’s should build on students’ prior knowledge/experience and be within their ZPD.

Realistic – LO’s should aim to reflect behaviors that students will utilize in the real world.

Tailored – LO’s should be tailored to the curriculum (program’s academic or development goals).

Example Language for Effective LO’s

Student should be able to…

Higher Level Thinking >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Know	Comprehend	Apply	Analyze	Synthesize	Evaluate
Define Describe Identify Label List Sequence State	Classify Conclude Discuss Explain Generalize Predict Summarize	Assess Compute Demonstrate Develop Instruct Show Solve	Characterize Correlate Differentiate Discriminate Examine Infer Relate	Adapt Construct Create Design Formulate Invent Perform	Argue Compare, Contrast Conclude Critique Interpret Prove

Learning Objective from Model Lesson


Students should be able to create a model with natural materials to demonstrate plant life cycles through birth, growth, decay, and new growth.