Construct a learning objective

This page provides step-by-step instructions on constructing well-formulated learning objectives.

Why constructing a learning objective is useful

The first step in designing a well-aligned course is to formulate learning objectives. These form the foundation of your future course design decisions and will make sure that they align with the envisioned learning outcomes (Biggs, 1996). 

Students can use learning objectives as performance criteria, but they also serve as input for determining suitable course assessment formats and teaching methods.

How to formulate a learning objective

In short, the final syntax of a learning objective is als follows: 

By the end of this course, students are able to: [Action verb] + [Context] + [Criterion] + [Condition] 

To create a learning objective, follow these steps:

  1. The suggested syntax for constructing learning objectives is from the student’s perspective:
    “By the end of this course, students are able to...”
  2. Find the relevant action verb by using this handout, based on Bloom’s revised taxonomy (Krathwohl, 2002):
    “By the end of this course, students are able to [develop]…”
  3. Combine this with the relevant context (often a noun):
    “By the end of this course, students are able to [develop] [a measurement instrument]…”
  4. If relevant, add a criterion:
    “By the end of this course, students are able to [develop] [a measurement instrument] [for at least two different operating systems]…”
  5. If relevant, add a condition:
    “By the end of this course, students are able to [develop] [a measurement instrument] [for at least two different operating systems] [using Python].”

Examples of well-formulated learning objectives

By the end of this course, students are able to:

  • LO1: Develop a controller for a simulated process, using MATLAB or Simulink software. 
  • LO2: Assess the performance of signal processing and feedback algorithms for their influence on measurement noise and accuracy. 
  • LO3: Derive the current distribution and radiated fields of linear dipoles.

Relevant resources

  • Action verb handout: A handout containing all the action verbs from Bloom’s revised taxonomy.

How to get help

Do you need help formulating your learning objectives? Reach out to the educational advisors at your faculty or contact Teaching Support for 1-on-1 guidance.

References