Writing Objectives

“What the students should be able to do at

the end of a learning period that they could

not do beforehand.” (Mager, 1962)

Brainstorm…

Take 5 minutes and think about the things you want to learn or see during your observation. List them as bullet points.

For example – Respiratory Therapy

A breathing machine Types of patients Giving medicine What parts of the hospital they work in Suctioning a patient Taking blood from a patient CPR The vest

Objectives…

Are very specific. This means they should describe exactly what you would like to expect to do or learn.

Objectives are outcome based. This means that the objective is going to state what the learner should be able to do AFTER the observation is complete.

Qualities of specific learning objectives

Relevant Unequivocal Feasible Logical Observable Measureable

RELEVANTDefinition : having significant bearing on

the matter at hand. (www.meriam-webster.com)

Ask yourself does your objective pertain or have anything to do with your observation site?

UNEQUIVOCAL

Definition: leaving no doubt. Clear. Unquestionable. (www.meriam-webster.com)

Ask yourself is this objective crystal clear and obvious?

FEASIBLE

Definition: capable of being done or carried out. (www.meriam-webster.com)

Ask yourself is this objective possible?

LOGICAL

Definition: of, relating to, or being in accordance with logic .

(www.meriam-webster.com)

Ask yourself is this objective reasonable?

OBSERVABLE

Definition: capable of being observed. (www.meriam-webster.com)

Ask yourself is this objective able to be seen?

MEASUREABLE

Definition: to have a specified measurement. (www.meriam-webster.com)

In this case they are the specific measures we use to determine whether or not we are successful in achieving the goal.

Ask yourself is this objective able to be measured?

Objectives…

Should have a few key components:- An Audience or subject (in your case YOU)- An Action Verb-A Direct Object (subject + verb + what? or who = direct object)-Criteria

An example …

Upon completion of my observation experience, I will be able to describe four different medical conditions treated by the physician.

Who is the subject?› I

What is the action verb?› Describe

What is the direct object?› Four different medical conditions treated by the

physician. ***ALWAYS USE A SPECIFIC NUMBER and SPELL

OUT THE NUMBER***

Another example…

Upon completion of my observation experience, I will be able to explain a surgical procedure performed by the physician.

Who is the subject?› I

What is the action verb?› Explain

What is the direct object?› A surgical procedure performed by the

physician.

Help with action verbs

Examples of Knowledge Verbs

Define List Memorize Name Recall Record Relate

Examples of Comprehension Verbs

Describe Discuss Explain Express Identify Locate Recognize Review

Examples of Application Verbs

Apply Demonstrate Illustrate Interpret Practice Translate Use

Examples of Analysis Verbs

Analyze Calculate Compare Contrast Differentiate Solve Test

Examples of Synthesis Verbs

Arrange Collect Construct Design Organize Plan Propose

Examples of Evaluation Verbs

Appraise Assess Compare Measure Score Select Estimate

Assignment:

Write a rough draft of four objectives. Refer back to your “brainstorming” for ideas.

Make sure to put your name, class period, and site on the top of your paper

Use the following introductory statement, “Upon completion of my observation, I will be able to: “ – This covers your audience or subject

Worth 10 points and DUE TOMORROW!

“The goal is where we want to be, objectives are how we get there”

(www.roundworldmedia.com)