How to write effective learning objectives and assess learning outcomes

Creating Effective Learning Activities

Efficient learning activities start with two crucial elements:

1. Identifying specific and measurable objectives of the assessment.
2. Defining the assessment methods and the learning outcomes.

Both instructors and learners are integral to these elements, working together to achieve the desired learning goals. In this article, we’ll guide you through writing effective learning objectives using Bloom’s Taxonomy and assessing outcomes using TestInvite's online assessment software.

What Are Learning Objectives?

Learning objectives define the purpose of a learning activity, outlining what learners should know and be able to do by the end of the course.

Key characteristics of learning objectives:

• Clear and concise: They specify what ability learners will gain.
• Measurable: They can be evaluated through observable and measurable behavior.

Learning Goals vs. Learning Objectives

Although often used interchangeably, learning goals and learning objectives differ:

• Learning Goals: Broad and abstract statements about what is to be learned.
• Learning Objectives: Tangible and precise factors about what is to be learned and practiced.

Example

• Goal: Understand the principles of physics.
• Objective: Be able to list and define Newton’s laws of motion.

How to Write Learning Objectives Using Bloom’s Taxonomy

Bloom’s Taxonomy identifies six levels of learning, providing a framework for writing objectives and creating assessments

• Remembering: Recalling facts and basic concepts.
• Example: Select, list, and define Newton’s laws of motion.
• Understanding: Explaining ideas and concepts.
• Example: Compare and contrast Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities and Tolstoy's War and Peace.
• Applying: Solving problems using acquired skills.
• Example: Apply mathematical techniques to create a building plan.
• Analyzing: Breaking information into components and finding evidence.
• Example: Analyze marketing expenses and adjust strategies.
• Evaluating: Making judgments and defending opinions.
• Example: Assess democratization processes using theories of democracy.
• Creating: Producing new work or solutions.
• Example: Develop AI software for facial recognition in online proctoring.

What Are Learning Outcomes?

Learning outcomes represent the skills, abilities, and knowledge that learners demonstrate after completing a learning activity. They are based on the defined learning objectives and are evaluated using appropriate action verbs and assessments.

Example

• Objective: Recall Newton’s laws of motion.
• Outcome: Select and define these laws in a test setting.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes Using TestInvite

TestInvite provides the tools to design assessments that align with learning objectives. Below, we explore how you can implement various learning outcomes in TestInvite.

• Remembering
• Objective: Recall Newton’s laws of motion.
• Assessment: Multiple-choice questions, matching, or open-ended text responses.
• Understanding
• Objective: Compare political themes in A Tale of Two Cities and War and Peace.
• Assessment: Open-ended essay using TestInvite’s rich text editor.
• Applying
• Objective: Apply mathematical techniques to building plans.
• Assessment: Mathematical problem-solving with LaTeX editor.
• Analyzing
• Objective: Analyze social media traffic and categorize data using Excel.
• Assessment: File upload questions requiring Excel skills.
• Evaluating
• Objective: Critique democratization processes.
• Assessment: Video interviews where learners present and defend their arguments.
• Creating
• Objective: Develop AI software for facial recognition.
• Assessment: Coding challenges using TestInvite’s code editor.

Why Choose TestInvite for Learning Assessments?

TestInvite offers a robust platform to align learning objectives with outcomes through:

1. Diverse Question Types: Support for multiple-choice, open-ended, file upload, coding, and math questions.
2. Customization: Tailor assessments to your learning goals.
3. Advanced Analytics: Measure outcomes across multiple dimensions and compare results against benchmarks.
4. Ease of Use: Simplify exam creation with flexible workflows.

Conclusion

Writing effective learning objectives and assessing outcomes are essential for meaningful learning activities. TestInvite empowers instructors with the tools to design, administer, and analyze assessments that align with learning goals, helping learners achieve measurable success.

Start enhancing your learning activities with TestInvite today!