Writing and Using Learning Objectives

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Writing and Using Learning Objectives
Language: English
Authors: Orr, Rebecca B., Csikari, Melissa M., Freeman, Scott, Rodriguez, Michael C.
Source: CBE - Life Sciences Education. Feature 3 Sep 2022 21(3).
Availability: American Society for Cell Biology. 8120 Woodmont Avenue Suite 750, Bethesda, MD 20814-2762. Tel: 301-347-9300; Fax: 301-347-9310; e-mail: ascbinfo@ascb.org; Website: https://www.lifescied.org/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 6
Publication Date: 2022
Sponsoring Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Contract Number: DUE2012362
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Behavioral Objectives, Guides, Evidence Based Practice, Writing (Composition), Educational Research, Instructional Design, Alignment (Education), Outcomes of Education, Cooperation, Educational Improvement
DOI: 10.1187/cbe.22-04-0073
ISSN: 1931-7913
Abstract: Learning objectives (LOs) are used to communicate the purpose of instruction. Done well, they convey the expectations that the instructor--and by extension, the academic field--has in terms of what students should know and be able to do after completing a course of study. As a result, they help students better understand course activities and increase student performance on assessments. LOs also serve as the foundation of course design, as they help structure classroom practices and define the focus of assessments. Understanding the research can improve and refine instructor and student use of LOs. This essay describes an online, evidence-based teaching guide published by "CBE--Life Sciences Education" ("LSE") at http://lse.ascb.org/learning-objectives. The guide contains condensed summaries of key research findings organized by recommendations for writing and using LOs, summaries of and links to research articles and other resources, and actionable advice in the form of a checklist for instructors. In addition to describing key features of the guide, we also identify areas that warrant further empirical studies.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1358977
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Learning objectives (LOs) are used to communicate the purpose of instruction. Done well, they convey the expectations that the instructor--and by extension, the academic field--has in terms of what students should know and be able to do after completing a course of study. As a result, they help students better understand course activities and increase student performance on assessments. LOs also serve as the foundation of course design, as they help structure classroom practices and define the focus of assessments. Understanding the research can improve and refine instructor and student use of LOs. This essay describes an online, evidence-based teaching guide published by "CBE--Life Sciences Education" ("LSE") at http://lse.ascb.org/learning-objectives. The guide contains condensed summaries of key research findings organized by recommendations for writing and using LOs, summaries of and links to research articles and other resources, and actionable advice in the form of a checklist for instructors. In addition to describing key features of the guide, we also identify areas that warrant further empirical studies.
ISSN:1931-7913
DOI:10.1187/cbe.22-04-0073