Helpful Resources for Writing Measurable Learning Outcomes

Compiled by Dr. Kristine Webb,
College of Education and Human Services, Department of Special Education

Learning objectives (sometimes called performance objectives, behavioral objectives, mastery objectives, or cognitive outcomes) are measurable, observable statements of what students will be able to do at the end of a course. As you develop learning objectives, you may discover that learning objectives:

	Help students understand your expectations in the course
	Help you plan overall course development
	Guide you as you plan appropriate assessments
	Align with course activities and assignments
	Help you monitor students’ progress
	Create a fundamental framework for evidence of student competency to be used for accreditation (Mandernach, 2003).

Helpful Tips for Writing Learning Objectives:

Begin each learning objective with the phrase, “The learner will be able to…” or “The learner will…”

Example:
The learner will describe digestive systems of Gastropods and Pelecypods.

Include verbs that allow you measure or observe student progress (see lists of measurable verbs following example below). Avoid using verbs such as “understand” or “learn.”

Example:
The learner will be able to list twenty milestones of development in infants.

Nonexample:
The learner will understand development in infants.

Examples of Measurable, Observable Verbs for Learning Objectives

If you want your students to demonstrate their knowledge, use these verbs in your learning objectives:

Define	Repeat	List	Record
Recall	Name	State	Relate
Underline	Identify	Recognize	Acquire
Distinguish	Label	Reproduce	Order

If you want your students to demonstrate their ability to comprehend, use these verbs in your learning objectives:

Translate	Restate	Describe	Tell
Recognize	Locate	Identify	Express
Report	Review	Extrapolate	Convert
Interpret	Transform	Select	Indicate
Illustrate	Represent	Formulate	Classify

If you want your students to demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge, use these verbs in your learning objectives:

Interpret	Employ	Apply	Use
Dramatize	Demonstrate	Practice	Illustrate
Schedule	Operate	Sequence	Solve
Prepare	Generalize	Plan	Explain
Predict	Implement	Show	Complete

If you want your students to demonstrate their ability to analyze, use these verbs in your learning objectives:

Distinguish	Test	Analyze	Compare
Differentiate	Contrast	Appraise	Criticize
Calculate	Diagram	Experiment	Inspect
Question	Debate	Relate	Inventory
Solve	Examine	Categorize	Estimate
Detect	Classify	Discriminate	Catalog
Breakdown	Order	Determine	Dissect

If you want your students to demonstrate their ability to synthesize, use these verbs in your learning objectives:

Compose	Arrange	Plan	Assemble
Propose	Collect	Design	Construct
Formulate	Create	Manage	Set up
Write	Integrate	Specify	Produce
Organize	Theorize	Design	Build
Systematize	Combine	Summarize	Restate
Argue	Discuss	Derive	Relate
Conclude	Improvise	Generalize	Modify

If you want your students to demonstrate their ability to evaluate, use these verbs in your learning objectives:

Judge	Value	Appraise	Revise
Evaluate	Score	Rate	Select
Compare	Choose	Estimate	Assess
Measure	Verify	Test	Rank
Check	Justify	Support	Weigh
Defend	Criticize	Summarize	Conclude

References

Florida Department of Education (2002). Designing lessons for the diverse classroom: A
	handbook for teachers. Tallahassee, FL: Bureau of Instructional Support and Community
	Services, Florida Department of Education.

Mandernach, J. (2003).Writing Quality Learning Objectives. Retrieved September 20, 2005,
	from Park University, Park University Faculty Development Web site:
	http://captain.park.edu/facultydevelopment/writing_learning_objectives.htm

Mercer, C.D., & Mercer, A.R. (2005). Teaching students with learning problems. Upper
	Saddle River, NJ: Person Merrill Prentice Hall.

Wandberg, R., & Rohwer, J. (2003). Teaching to the standards of effective practice: A guide
	to becoming a successful teacher. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.