Writing learning objectives that hold
Learning objective
Write a learning objective using an observable verb, a thing and a condition.
01 · Hook
Why this matters
The first thing a new designer writes is usually a sentence that begins "Learners will understand…". It is also the first sentence to get cut by an experienced editor. Here is why, and what to write instead.
02 · Core
Verb · thing · condition
A useful learning objective has three working parts:
- Verb — something the learner can be seen to do.
- Thing — the object of that verb.
- Condition — when, where, or against what.
Drop one and the objective stops being a contract.
Worked example
Weak: Learners will understand GDPR.
Strong: Given a customer scenario, learners will identify the lawful basis for processing personal data and justify their choice in one sentence.
03 · Practice
Try it
Choose
Which objective is strongest?
04 · Carry
One thing to take back to work today
Pick one objective in your current project. Rewrite it as verb-thing-condition. If you can do that, the objective is doing its job.
Craig Stanley Studio · Microlearning 01 of 12 · Pairs with the Foundations of Instructional Design course.