FIU Online’s monthly Faculty Webinar series explores relevant instructional strategies and effective ways to use technology in an online classroom. The third webinar in the series,“Writing Measurable Learning Objectives”, provided faculty with tools for writing improved objectives that are measurable, precise, and clear at both the course and module/unit-level.
Instant Replay: Writing in Bloom
Presenter Karina Ocampo, an FIU Online Instructional Design Manager, showcased how well-written, measurable learning objectives are key to developing quality online courses. If you missed this webinar, you can view the recording or read some of the key takeaways below.
What is a learning objective?
A learning objective is a brief statement that specifically describes what the learner will be able to perform by the end of the lesson, unit, project, or course.
Learning objectives should be learner-centric, and should start with language that dictates what the learner will gain from the lesson. (ex: After this module, the learner should be able to…)
Learning objectives should also be SMART- specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.
Why do measurable learning objectives matter?
Measurable learning objectives provide students with what is expected of them within a course. They clarify what a student is expected to learn after engaging with instructors, peers, course content and assignments.
How to write measurable objectives:
There are two main criteria to consider when developing a measurable learning objective
- Utilization of observable actions (refer to Bloom’s Taxonomy below)
- Specific criteria of performance
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Bloom’s Taxonomy features a hierarchy of cognitive skills that allow students to apply what they have learned. Here is a helpful introduction on how to apply Bloom’s Taxonomy in the digital age.
Examples of measurable verbs and phrases:
- Reproduce
- Summarize
- Demonstrate
- Design
- Compare
Examples of verbs and phrases to avoid
- Understand
- Appreciate
- Value
- Gain awareness
Understand is a verb we cannot measure. How can we tell understanding has taken place? If it is because a learner can describe something, then describe should be the measurable verb we use; if it is because the learner can calculate a math problem correctly, then calculate should be the action verb we use.
What does a measurable learning objective look like?
Measurable objectives that are specific and easy to measure include:
- After this module, the learner should be able to orally present a new patient’s case in a logical manner by summarizing the pertinent positive and negative findings
- After this module, the learner should be able to analyze and respond to arguments about racial discrimination
- Upon completing this course, students should be able to summarize the effect of immigration on American culture
Course Alignment
When writing measurable learning objectives, instructors should also consider how each activity within their course aligns with these objectives. Instructors will also want to consider how the assessments within their course show that the learning objectives have been met. 
Assessments should reveal how well students have learned what we want them to learn while instruction ensures that they learn it. Assessments, learning objectives, and instructional strategies need to be closely aligned so that they reinforce one another.
Future Faculty Webinars
Be on the lookout for FIU Online’s future webinars on instructional strategies and effective ways to use technology in your online classroom. If you have any ideas for future webinar topics, we’d love to hear them. Contact Christina Schettini (cschetti@fiu.edu) to share your ideas for future webinar topics.
Read our other faculty webinar instant replay articles: