Behavioral Objectives
Each continuing educational activity submitted to the Mississippi Nurses
Foundation for approval, must
include learner objectives written in behavioral terms defining specific learning
outcomes the participant
is expected to accomplish at the completion of
the learning activity. These objectives provide a means
of self
-
evaluation throughout the learning process. Well written objectives also
provide a mechanism
for a measurable and observable evaluation of learning.
The Taxonomy of Educational Objectives
,
(Bloom 1956, and Krathwoh, 1964) is a valuable resource in identifying and
defining instructional
objectives. The taxonomy provides a classification of educational objectives
and is useful in curriculum development, teaching and testing, and consists of
general and specific categories that include all types of outcomes.
Preparing Instructional Objectives, (Mager, 1962) is an excellent resource
book describing HOW TO specify learning objectives and communicate the
learning objectives to the learner.
GUIDELINES FOR WRITING BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVE
[Link] the objective with a measurable verb, such as define, classify,
calculate, design, discuss,etc.
[Link] the objective in terms of learner performance, not instructor
performance. The emphasis is on what the participant will be able to do or
know, not what the instructor does.
[Link] the objective as a learning product, not a learning process.
CORRECT: “explains assigned reading material ....”INCORRECT: “gains
knowledge of .....”
[Link] the objective to include only one outcome, not several.
[Link] a separate statement for each objective; revise and refine for clarity
and understanding.
[Link] each objective to the extent that it communicates an instructional
intent to its reader.
Examples on
.
The following verbs have been found to be effective in formulating educational
objectives.
[Link] that communicate knowledge
. (Cognitive Domain)
Information
cite
identify
quote
relate
tell
count
indicate
read
repeat
trace
define
list
recite
select
write
describe
name
recognize
state
draw
point
record
tabulate
Comprehension
associate
describe
explain
locate
translate
classify
differentiate
express
predict
compare
discuss
extrapolate
report
compute
distinguish
interpolate
restate
contrast
estimate
interpret
review
Application
apply
employ
locate
relate
sketch
calculate
examine
operate
report
solve
complete
illustrate
order
restate
translate
demonstrate
interpolate
practice
review
use
dramatize
interpret
predict
schedule
utilize
Analysis
analyze
debate
distinguish
inventory
appraise
detect
experiment
question
contract
diagram
infer
separate
criticize
differentiate
inspect
summarize
Synthesis
arrange
construct
formulate
organize
produce
assemble
create
generalize
plan
propose
collect
design
integrate
prepare
specify
compose
detect
manage
prescribe
Evaluation
appraise
deter
mine
judge
recommend
test
assess
estimate
measure
revise
choose
evaluate
rank
score
critique
grade
rate
select
[Link] that impart skills.
(Psychomotor Domain)
diagnose
integrate
measure
percuss
empathize
internalize
palpate
project
hold
massage
pass
visualize
3. Those that convey attitudes.
(Affective Domain)
acquire
exemplify
realize
reflect
These verbs are better avoided are often used but are open to many
interpretations
appreciate
have faith in
know
learn
understand
believe
