Setting Learning Goals and Objectives

The key to examining learning goals and objectives is to identify the actions that you want the students to engage in. Rather than saying “the student will write a paper,” try something like what Dubbels (2011) listed for creating learning goals and objectives below.

• Adaptive behavioral acts

Skillfully access, read, analyze, evaluate, integrate, and use text and graphic information in multiple print and electronic formats.

• Judicious decision making

Think critically, creatively, and systemically to problem solve current issues, identify future opportunities and innovations, and flexibly adapt to change.

• Efficient behavioral regulation

Work with autonomy and cooperatively with available information and build a vision for the completion of task assessing time, materials, team, skills, and needs-based assessments.

• Sensible goal prioritization

Synthesize and clearly communicate learning, using appropriate language and presentation to achieve a specific purpose.

• Reflectivity

Have time to discuss, explain, and transfer skills, information, and processes to new formats, technologies and audiences.

• The proper calibration of evidence

Test or views ideas through hypothesis testing and cognitive theories of the activity and what is happening and why.

What are some ideas/ strategies you use while creating learning goals?