Generally job-oriented learning objectives are included in one of the four categories below; so choose from these following category types to form your objectives.

  1. New Assignments: Have you recently been assigned new duties? If so you are probably having many new learning experiences that can be stated in objective form. If you have no new job assignments can new policies or procedures be developed for your job that will result in saving time, materials, or costs?
  2. Routine Duties: Do you have need for some specific improvements in accomplishing the day to day functions on your job?
  3. Problem Solving Goals: Is there a specific problem in your work area that can be solved with measurable results?
  4. Personal Goals: Can improvements be made in relations with co-workers or supervisors?

Guidelines for Writing the Objectives

Plan in your mind three (3) specific and measurable learning objectives. Think about the work you are assigned now and how well you might be able to do your work by the end of the semester. Talk to your supervisor and/or instructor for any further help or suggestions.

An objective should be stated in terms of results that you intend to achieve

  • What will you be able to do after the learning has been accomplished?
  • Is the objective specific?
  • Have you selected language that can communicate to all interested parties?

An objective should be valid

  • Does it relate to your job assignment?
  • Is it achievable with the semester time limit?
  • Do you have control over its accomplishments?

An objective should be measurable

Is it stated in terms of the specific results to be attained? If so each party will know the criteria for measuring the level of achievement on each objective?

Writing the Objectives

Start off with an action verb. Examples are: write, establish, perform, create, edit, operate, revise, analyze, apply, assemble, select, develop, report, install, increase, rearrange, regroup, reorganize, collect, identify, etc.

Be careful of words like: understand, learn, know, or appreciate. It is very difficult to measure how well a student achieves these things.

Now add the standards that the student will strive to achieve. The standards describe how well a student will be able to perform the stated objectives in order to be acceptable. They should usually specify the minimum acceptable skill level or accomplishment. Standards might include such statements as: improve by 95%, not more than once each day, within twenty minutes, etc.

REMEMBER: All objectives must have the following four key elements to be acceptable:

  1. What is the task to be accomplished?
  2. How will it be accomplished?
  3. How will it be evaluated (measured) and by whom?
  4. When will it be completed?

Examples of Objectives

We will start with a WRONG example. This type of written objective is unacceptable:

  • I will increase my sales each week. (Vague, incomplete - Does not tell how it will be accomplished, how it will be measured, etc.)

Now here is the same objective written in the CORRECT style:

  • I will increase monthly sales by 10%. To be accomplished by selling related products, developing increased product knowledge and by studying various "sales"-oriented manuals and books. Supervisor to evaluate through review of sales receipts. Completion date of December 202___.

More CORRECT examples stated in a manner that is specific and measurable:

  • I will create two music/game lesson plans for a preschool class. To be done by actual experience, instruction from supervisor, and applying current classroom knowledge. Supervisor will evaluate by review of lesson plans. Completion date of April 202___.
  • I will learn to read technical manuscripts at ____wpm with comprehension at ____ retention as measured by a standard technical reading examination given by my supervisor at the end of the semester.
  • I will increase my layout skill by constructing at least six display ads that will be used by customers at the advertising department. Completion date at end of semester.
  • I will demonstrate proper fitting and measuring techniques by assisting costume designer during 10 fittings for this season. Evaluation of pinning by shop manager to be completed by the end of the semester.
  • I will improve my production skills by communicating with the director after each live program for ideas on how to better approach the shoot and by asking the director in depth questions on how well I performed my duties. To be completed by May 202___.
  • I will increase my travel planning skills by creating a tour opportunity to New Zealand for a large, diverse group and by designing an itinerary that will include both islands and various sites that will be of interest to the entire group. To be reviewed by manager. To be completed by March 202___.