learning objectives
learning objectives

Learning Objectives

(LURN-een OBJEKT-ivs)

gas-like elements

GAS-LIKE

What is a Learning Objective Taxonomy?

Learning objective taxonomies are an organizational structure given to categories of increasingly higher-level actions, skills, or behaviors that learners should be able to demonstrate by the end of a learning program.

Writing Effective Learning Objectives

You can read the full text of Brian’s approach to writing learning objectives or listen below.

Other Common Names

Other common names for learning objectives include:

  • Goals
  • Outcomes

Key Properties

With element 39, the words—and specifically the verbs—you choose, matter. Therein is the “taxonomy” component to this element. A taxonomy is a way of organizing and clustering concepts.

learning goal

Resources From The Train Like a Champion Blog

Objective: Recognize an insight from What's Your Formula?

Whats Your Formula book
Order your copy to learn more about learning objectives and all of the related elements.

Elements that Bond with Learning Objectives

handoutsHandouts

Perhaps the most common way for training designers to engage their learners’ supervisors is through handouts, self-assessment forms, or action plans that are shared with supervisors once a training program has been completed. I’ve seen some training programs go so far as to mail carbonless or photocopied action plans to a learner’s supervisor.

follow upFollow Up

Sending a survey to your learners’ supervisors at some point 30 to 90 days following the conclusion of your training program could help prompt a follow-up conversation between supervisors and those who completed the program. Follow-up surveys also help you collect Level 3 data (transfer to the job) that is not self-reported by your learners, but rather an outside observer (their supervisor).

text toolsText Tools

If you’ve secured permission to send text message reminders to the supervisors of your learners, you can automate goal setting and discussion prompts that will help managers engage their direct reports in targeted conversations. Without such prompts, some supervisors may want to support and follow up with your learners, but may not know enough about the training program to have a productive conversation.

checklist

Download the Element Sanity Check

Even if you haven’t yet purchased the book (what are you waiting for?!) you can get access to worksheets that will help guide you through the use of the elements of amazing learning experiences.