DEVELOPING LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR A LEARNING PLAN
WELCOME TO CO-OP! Each quarter that you are enrolled in the Cooperative Education Program, you will be required to develop specific goals or Learning Objectives for your job.
Question
What is a Learning Objective?
Answer
Learning Objectives refer to a set of statements which clearly and precisely describe a result you want to accomplish during your work term.
“What do I want to know at the end of the quarter that I can’t do now?”
Question
Is there only one kind of Le arning Objective?
Answer
No. There are four types of Learning Objectives applicable to Co-op.
These relate to your career goal or career growth. They could include career exploration through informational interviewing, observation, reading, and special topic research. (Written reports are included if you choose this type of objective.)
These relate to developing new on-the-job skills or learning new tasks or concepts. They enable you to grow on the job, increase usefulness and improve performance.
These relate to improving or developing your current skills. You might find aspects of your job that you can improve upon, or specific problems in the work area to be solved with measurable results.
These relate to improving communication and interpersonal skills which can create a more positive environment. You could choose to improve your ability to work with supervisors, fellow workers, customers, etc., or improve your communication skills through public speaking, one-to-one dialogue, or listening to others.
Question
How do I write a good Learning Objective?
Answer
By carefully reading the following steps, you can learn how to write an effective Learning Objective.
Step One
Decide WHAT YOU WILL ATTEMPT TO ACCOMPLISH. Use action words which will communicate what you intend to do. Examples of action words and ideas are listed below:
Analyze data…
Assume responsibility for…
Compile statistical data…
Create and/or Design new systems, plans, processes and methods of operation…
Cross-train with co-workers to learn…
Develop a working knowledge of…
Evaluate clients, programs, services, etc…
Explain how…
Guide…
Implement new plans, procedures or ideas…
Improve the quality of…or skills in…
Increase the level of output, amount of sales, etc…
Learn new techniques, procedures, etc…
Revise present policies, procedures, materials, methods…
Teach others to…
Train new employees, counselors, staff, etc…
Write correspondence, reports, scripts, promotional brochures, manuals, etc…
Step Two
Decide HOW YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH IT. Explain how you plan to do what you said you would do. Examples of action words and ideas are listed below:
Receive training/instruction from my supervisor, co-workers or others.
Observe the task being performed by others.
Research a subject area related to work or career goals.
Consult or Interview outside specialists.
Maintain a daily or weekly journal of activities.
Perform a task repetitively until it can be accomplished without supervision.
Step Three
Decide HOW THE RESULTS CAN BE MEASURED. Explain how your learning will be demonstrated and evaluated. Examples of action words and ideas are listed below:
Performance will be observed and evaluated by my supervisor.
I will produce a final product (report, notebook, journal, etc.) for evaluation.
My supervisor will evaluate my knowledge through questioning and/or testing.