From the course: Teaching Techniques: Writing Effective Learning Objectives

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Definition and structure of a learning objective

Definition and structure of a learning objective

- So, what is a learning objective exactly? In this video, I'll give you a more focused definition using a concrete example. A learning objective can be broken down into a formula with two main parts. Part one is an action, preferably an observation action. Part two is the inclusion of the learner as the subject. For example, let's look at this learning objective. The learner will explain tornadoes. Explain is an easily observable action, whether in written or spoken form. And who's the subject? The learner. The learner will hopefully develop the ability to explain tornadoes by the end of the lesson. Maybe in an essay or an oral presentation. Informally, I like to say that a learning objective is a deal that the teacher makes with the learner. It is the specific promise of what the learner will obtain if they spend the time and effort required by the course. You can also think of a learning objective in terms of a guarantee, as if you're selling the value of the course to your…

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