React 2 Training Ltd

Learning Objectives

  • Nov

    Creating deliverable aims and objectives is central to effective training

    Posted by Ryan Thomas

    When developing a session plan for your training you will need to carefully think about the learning objectives for your students. This is a crucial element of training as it will set a structure for you and learners. Learning objectives are like statements that determine what your learners will be able to do at the of the training session. There is a difference between knowledge passed on and knowledge learnt.

    Aim & Objectives

    An aim can apply to the teacher or indeed the learner. An aim is a long term goal, whilst objectives are the steps taken to reach that goal.

    Example

    Aim: Become more assertive in the workplace.

    Objective 1: Define the meaning of 'assertiveness'
    Objective 2: Explain the difference between 'assertive' and 'aggressive'
    Objective 3: List the six personality types
    Objective 4: State the nine types of assertive response
    Objective 5: Describe relaxation methods
    Objective 6: Explain assertive methods in written communication
    Objective 7: List the 5 action steps to assertive action

    SMART Objectives

    As you can see from the objectives, the above verbs such as list, explain, state and describe were used. These are what we call SMART words. Note that the objectives did not start with either 'know' or 'understand', this is because they do not specify any overt 'doing'. SMART words use active 'doing' verbs like list, state, etc, etc.

    Specific because...
    Measurable because...
    Achievable because...
    Relevant because...
    Timed because...

    SMART words can be categorised into knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. This means the difficulty level can be increased to match the level of understanding and experience of your learners by simply changing the active verb. For example simple objectives like list or state can be replaced by examine, evaluate or analyse which would require a greater level of knowledge in which the learner has to apply. These would require a detailed understanding on the particular subject.

    Example

    Objective: List the six personality types.

    This would require the learner to remember the personality types and list them. Now if we had a more advanced group of learners and the course went into a greater detail then we could change it to:

    Objective: Analyse the core features of the six personality types.

    Now this time for the learner would have to input a greater level of knowledge to complete the objective.

    Learning objectives are the stepping stones of meeting the aim. Without specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timed SMART then you cannot effectively monitor learner output. Learning objectives help focus the training and prioritise learning.

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