Understanding the Importance
of Learning Objectives in eLearning

A learning objective (performance-based
learning objective) is a statement, in specific
and measurable terms, that describes
what learners will be able to
do on completion of an eLearning course.
Why Use Learning Objectives

Learning objectives
set the stage for
course development.
Setting proper learning objectives will help us
link the training we are providing with the
expected performance outcomes of learners.
Why Use Learning Objectives

Characteristics of Learning Objectives
Learning objectives should be…SMART
S
M
A
R
T
Specific – Say exactly what learners should be able to do after the training
Measurable – Observable and quantifiable
Attainable – Learners should be able to accomplish them without external help and within the
specified conditions
Relevant – Applicable to learners’ job roles and tasks
Targeted – Aligned to the learners’ expected performance level

Components of Learning Objectives
1
2
3
Performance
A description of what the learner is expected to
do.
“What should the learner be able to do?”
Condition
The conditions (environment) under which learners are
expected to perform.
“Under what conditions do you want the learner to be
able to do it?”
Criteria
The level of performance to be achieved for the
learner to be considered component.
“How well must it be done?”

Bloom’s Taxonomy
Bloom’s Taxonomy is widely used to set performance-
based learning objectives for training programs.
For each of the 6 levels of the cognitive domain
(knowledge-based domain comprising intellectual
skills), Bloom’s taxonomy provides a list of action
verbs to describe the intended behavior.
behavior.

List of Action Verbs (Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy)
Level Action Verbs
Rememberin
g
Understandin
g
Applying
Analyzing
Evaluating
Creating
Define, List, Recall, Recognize, Identify, Name
Explain, Infer, Match, Compare, Distinguish, Summarize, Expand, Classify,
Calculate, Describe, Interpret, Outline
Classify, Demonstrate, Execute, Solve, Use, Implement
Appraise, Compare, Contrast, Formulate, Examine, Test, Sequence,
Appraise, Check, Critique, Judge, Monitor, Rate, Prioritize, Verify
Change, Combine, Design, Formulate, Invent, Improve, Generate, Plan,
Predict, Produce, Compile

What Do Learning Objectives Define?
1
3
2
4
Scope of
the Course
Instructional
Strategy
Evaluation
Methodology
Cost and
Duration

What Do Learning Objectives Define?
Scope of the Content
Having a clear scope helps identity which
content will help attain the learning objectives
and what can be skipped.
Even from the content that has been chosen,
we can distinguish the absolute essential ‘need
to know’ from the rest which may be ‘good to
know’ but can be covered at the discretion of
the learner.

What Do Learning Objectives Define?
Instructional Strategy
Clearly framed learning objectives help
identify the level of complexity of the course,
which in turn helps select the most suitable
learning strategy.
For example, if a course has learning
objectives at level 3 of Bloom’s taxonomy
(classify/use), we can use scenarios to
provide learners experiential learning.

What Do Learning Objectives Define?
Evaluation Methodology
If we plan to have an online assessment at
the end of a classroom training program or an
eLearning course, learning objectives provide
the much-needed parameters to test
learners.
Learning objectives provide clear guidelines
on the expected performance learners need
to demonstrate. This, in turn, helps select the
right assessment strategy.

What Do Learning Objectives Define?
Course Duration and Cost
Complex learning objectives demand a
longer duration to ensure an effective transfer
of knowledge.
Learning objectives influence the instructional
strategy, which in turn defines the cost and
duration of the course and also guides us in
making sure our money is well-spent.

Conclusion
If we define learning objectives clearly, we will be able to evaluate and
assess the direction in which the course is going. Therefore, it pays to define
precise learning objectives at the offset of designing an eLearning course.
And here’s a tip: Always ensure learning objectives are cascaded from
your organizational goals and performance expected from employees.
Desired organizational
results
Desired
performance
Performance-
based objectives

Thank You!
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