Guidance on Objectives

The level of objectives is directly related to the goal of the educational activity. The planning committee, content experts, and presenters should help determining the level of the objectives.

Objectives should be concise, specific and should adequately define the level of your presentation.

• Level one (recall) focuses on knowledge and comprehension.
• Level two is directed on interpreting the material presented.
• Level three centers on problem solving. Generally speaking, knowledge and comprehension encompass the cognitive processes of remembering and explaining. Application and analysis involve using knowledge to find solutions or breaking a whole into component parts. Synthesis and evaluation involve the creation of a new whole or judgment ability.

Some examples are listed below under the proper taxonomic level. Some verbs may be applicable within more than one category.

(Adapted from the PACE guidelines for writing objectives)

From: A Clear Guide to Writing Objective Statements .

Resources for Writing Objectives

• A Clear Guide to Writing Objective Statements .
• A Quick Guide to Writing Learning Objectives .

Page Last Modified: June 15, 2009