Supplemental Resources for Designing E-Learning: Format of an Objective

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More on Writing Objectives--The Format of an Objective

Objectives are written in a formally structured way, using observable and measurable language. Observable means that someone can visibly see evidence that the objective has been achieved. Measurable means that someone can assess the extent to which users and businesses achieve the objectives.

Specifically, each objective follows this three-part format:

An observable, measurable goal. State this goal as an action verb, such as install, type, describe, and state. Words like "know," "understand," "appreciate," and "inform" are not appropriate terms for tasks because they cannot be measured.	Conditions under which the task should be performed. This describes any situations that should be considered when measuring the goal, such as the availability of information when users perform a task. Most frequently, the conditions state whether learners can have access to resources such as a textbook while performing the task.	Level of acceptable performance. This describes the extent to which the objective must be achieved to be considered complete, such as without errors. The level of acceptable performance is assumed to be 100 percent, unless stated otherwise.
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*Install WordPlus*	*in 5 minutes with the use of instructions and*	*without any errors.*

The list of objectives usually emerges directly from the list of tasks identified in the needs analysis. If you wrote the tasks using action verbs, the objective is partly written. You would only need to add conditions and the level of acceptable performance. You might also make sure that the action verb is the most precise one.

Consider this example:

X Know the procedures for installing WordPlus.

This is not an example of an objective because it is not observable. You cannot see whether someone "knows" something.

Consider this second example:

YInstall WordPlus in 5 minutes with the use of instructions and without any errors.

This is an example of an objective. It is observable because you can see whether someone could install WordPlus in 5 minutes or less. It is measurable because you can measure the time needed to install the product and the number of errors that occurred during installation.

YName the six key elements of a telecommunications system within 30 seconds and without the assistance of a manual.

This is an example of an objective because the task is name the six key elements. The conditions are within 30 seconds and without the assistance of a manual. Because the level of performance is not stated, we assume it is 100 percent.The following is an exampleof an objective: name the six features of WordPlus that distinguish it from other word processors within 1 minute and without any errors. This is an example of an objective because the main task can be measured. Within 1 minute is an example of a condition and without any errors indicates the desired level of performance.

YChange the font of a paragraph from roman to bold in 30 seconds.

This is an example of an objective because the main task can be measured. The conditions are "using the manual" and within 30 seconds. Because no level of performance is indicated, 100 percent accuracy is assumed.

YReduce the number of technical support staff members required to support WordPlus by 10 percent within 6 months.

This is an example of an objective because it states the business goal in observable and measurable terms. The condition is "within 6 months." The level of performance is 10 percent.

In addition to ensuring that the action is stated concretely, other terms, too, might be open to several interpretations and must also be defined as precisely as possible. For example, suppose that the term "effective" is used. What's effective to one person might not be effective to another. Rather than use the term effective, state what is meant by the term. Defining abstract words that are associated with privately held values in an observable and measurable way is called operationalizing a term.