1. Specific and Measurable:
* Avoid vague terms: Instead of "understand photosynthesis," use "explain the process of photosynthesis, including the roles of light, chlorophyll, and carbon dioxide."
* Quantifiable: Include specific numbers or criteria where possible. For example, "correctly identify 8 out of 10 anatomical structures on a diagram" is better than "identify anatomical structures."
* Observable Behaviors: Focus on actions that can be observed and assessed. Use action verbs that describe tangible behaviors.
2. Attainable:
* Realistic Expectations: The objective should be achievable within the given time frame and resources. Don't set the bar impossibly high.
* Student Capabilities: Consider the prior knowledge and skills of the learners.
3. Relevant:
* Aligned with Goals: The objective should directly contribute to the overall learning goals of the course or lesson. It should be a necessary step toward a larger outcome.
* Meaningful to Students: The objective should connect to the students' interests and experiences whenever possible, making learning more engaging.
4. Time-Bound:
* Clear Timeline: The objective should specify when the learning is expected to be achieved. This could be by the end of a lesson, unit, or course.
Using Action Verbs: The choice of action verb is crucial for specifying the level of learning required. Bloom's Taxonomy provides a helpful framework for selecting verbs indicating different cognitive levels, such as:
* Remembering: List, define, recall, name
* Understanding: Explain, summarize, interpret, paraphrase
* Applying: Use, apply, demonstrate, solve
* Analyzing: Compare, contrast, differentiate, analyze
* Evaluating: Judge, critique, assess, justify
* Creating: Design, develop, produce, construct
Example:
Poor objective: "Learn about the Civil War."
Good objective: "By the end of this unit, students will be able to analyze three key causes of the American Civil War (slavery, states' rights, economic differences) and explain their interrelationship using evidence from primary and secondary sources."
By adhering to these characteristics, you create clear, measurable, and effective instructional objectives that guide both teaching and assessment. This ensures students understand what is expected of them and allows educators to accurately evaluate student learning.