Training Objectives Exercise

Robert F. Mager, author of PREPARING INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES (the "Bible" of training), says that good training objectives should have three characteristics:    

1.       they state in behavioral terms (active verbs) exactly what the trainee will be able to do as a result of training

2.       they state precisely the conditions under which the trainee will perform the above

3.                 they state precisely how the trainee's performance will be measured

These objectives become the basis for the design of the training program- in other words, we choose where we want to end up before we decide how to get there.

Read the objectives listed below and determine if they meet the above criteria. If not, rewrite them so that they do. -----------

At the end of this lesson, the student:

1.       should know the rules of debit and credit.

2.       will be able to transcribe a short section of Gregorian chant.

3.       will tie a perfect bowline knot around the leg of a chair in less than 30 seconds, using natural or synthetic fibre rope.

4.       will know how to write instructional objectives.

5.       should be able to locate 5 major Asian nations on a map.

6.       should know to use a computer.

7.       will be able to list at least 3 uses for a database program.

8.       will recite the Gettysburg address backwards in French while wearing a paper sack over his/her head and riding a bicycle, without crashing into more than one immovable object, missing more than one line, or mispronouncing more than 5 words.

Do the following statements include performances? Does each at least tell what the learner will be doing when demonstrating achievement of the objective?

1.       Understand the principles of salesmanship.

2.       Be able to write three examples of the logical fallacy of the undistributed middle.

3.       Be able to understand the meaning of Ohm's Law.

4.       Be able to name the bones of the body.

5.       Know the needs for nursing care associated with the stresses of life situations and with common aspects of illness.

6.       Be able to REALLY understand the plays of Shakespeare.

7.       Be able to identify (circle) objectives that include a statement of desired performance.

8.       Be able to recognize that the practical application of democratic ideals requires time, adjustment, and continuous effort.

9.      Appreciate the ability of others, and perform as an intelligent spectator.

10.    Be able to describe the indications for the use of a pacemaker.