Learning objectives

H510 MPH Internship

Writing learning objectives

Learning objectives should

  • Describe the performance of a major cognitive skill (knowledge, comprehension, analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and application)
  • Begin with an action verb that matches the means of performance assessment
  • Describe what you will be able to do as a result of the objective
  • Describe the intended outcome or product, not the process
  • Use only one objective for each skill
  • Be measurable
  • Reference and build upon Option Competencies

Appropriate verbs to use

  • Knowledge-arrange: define, duplicate, list, label, memorize, recall, meet, review
  • Comprehension-classify: describe, explain, identify, locate, report, translate
  • Application-apply: demonstrate, illustrate, schedule, solve, use, write
  • Analysis-analyze: calculate, categorize, compare, contrast, differentiate, examine, experiment, test
  • Synthesis-arrange: collect, design, develop, compose, formulate, manage, prepare, set up, write
  • Evaluation-argue: assess, defend, estimate, judge, rate, predict, support, value, evaluate

Also see   Bloom's taxonomy of Measurable verbs

 

Sample learning objectives

You can either list your Option Competencies with your learning objectives underneath each one like this:

  1. Design and deliver health communication messages
    1. Develop smoking cessation messages that are salient to the target population, while utilizing relevant media outlets to deliver the message
    2. Analyze and evaluate cultural perceptions of messages through surveys and focus groups
  1. Solicit and integrate input from community and organization stakeholders
    1. Utilize approaches such as community-based participatory research to involve community members and facilitate empowerment to ensure sustainability