Writing Objectives Dick Carey Chp 6 Barry Williams

Writing Objectives Dick & Carey Chp. 6 Barry Williams 1

Background - Performance Objectives Robert Mager’s behavioral objectives – began in the 60’s – precise, clear statements of what students should be able to do at the end of instruction Problems with behavioral objectives – formulated in isolation – seldom used Barry Williams 2

Terminology Barry Williams 3

Synonyms for Performance Objectives Behavioral Objectives Instructional Objectives Barry Williams 4

Components of Performance Objective 1. Skill or behavior what the learner will be able to do Example: “Add two, three-digit, positive numbers” Barry Williams 5

Components of Performance Objective 2. Conditions – tools the learner will use Example: “Using a calculator” Barry Williams 6

Components of Performance Objective 3. Criteria – used to evaluate the learner Example: “In four out of five number problems” Barry Williams 7

Source of the Skills or Behaviors Derived from the subskills under the instructional analysis steps – The test: Ask, “Can I observe the learner doing this? ”(skill) Barry Williams If precise, the sub skills don’t need to be modified Some Intellectual Skills Verbs are: – discriminate – identify – classify – demonstrate – generate 8

Types of Behaviors 1. Intellectual & verbal skills describe the skill & the intent 2. Psychomotor skills specified by verbs like: jogging, painting, brushing, etc. 3. Attitudinal skills – choosing between options Barry Williams 9

The “A, B, C and Ds” of Behavioral Objectives Audience – Who is your target group? Behavior – An observable action Condition – Tools or skills they will need Degree – Level of acceptable performance Barry Williams 10

Conditions 1. Give the cue needed for the learner to search LTM for the answer – write, name, select, list 2. Includes – resource materials / tools Barry Williams 11

Conditions (cont’d) 3. Control the complexity of the task to match the audience level Two examples: – Given three sockets, pick the hex socket (audience: beginning mechanics) – Given a 1500 -piece toolbox, select the metric 3/8 drive thin-wall, 8 mm. impact socket (audience: master mechanics) Barry Williams 12

Criteria (Degree) includes What behavior is acceptable or The limits of acceptable behavior – limits include: single answer a range checklist (psychomotor) tally or anecdotal record (attitudinal) Barry Williams 13

Steps in Writing Objectives Summary 1. Edit goal to reflect performance 2. Write terminal objective to reflect context of learning environment the instructional area, the workplace, and the audience 3. Write objectives for each step in the goal analysis that have no sub steps Barry Williams 4. Write objectives that reflect the sub steps or write objectives for the subs steps 5. Write objectives for all subordinate skills 6. Write objectives for entry behaviors if needed 14

Summary Background of behavior objectives Synonyms for Performance Objectives Components of Performance Objective – A, B, C, D Steps in Writing Objectives Barry Williams 15