Behavioral Learning Objectives Primer

When developing a new educational activity such as a lecture, consider what cognitive level of learning you want your learners to attain - and what can

reasonably be attained due to the limits (e.g. time) of the presentation. A lecture-based, short activity may only allow for attainment of a cognitive level of

Knowledge or Comprehension. But adding some creativity may get you to higher levels of learning. For example, role play will allow learners to apply and

practice what they’ve learned. Critiquing a video may allow learners to analyze, synthesis, and even evaluate.

except through your observation of whether they can “explain” or “list” or “repeat” the information. So, words like “know” and “understand” are not

appropriate action verbs to use in developing a behavioral learning objective.

The behavioral learning objective defines what the learner will be able to demonstrate at the conclusion of your teaching session. A behavioral learning

objective is NOT a listing of what you – the teacher - will do or provide. The behavioral learning objective should be a response to the phrase: “at the

conclusion of this teaching session, the participant will be able to . . . . “

For example:

After reading this Behavioral Learning Objectives Primer, the reader will be able to:

 Define a behavioral learning objective

BE CREATIVE! Your learners will appreciate it.

Use the table below to develop behavioral learning objectives based on your desired educational outcomes.