How do I write cognitive, affective and psychom*otor learning objectives? (2024)

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Answer

What is a learning objective?

A learning objective states what a student will learn by the end of a lesson or module. It should include a measurable verb from the designated domain cognitive, affective, or psychom*otor) and focus on the student.

What should I keep in mind when writing a learning objective?

A learning objective is not a list of what will be covered during a lesson. If the lesson is one to two hours, you will want to write at least three learning objectives. Three or more hours should have at least three to five objectives.

What do you mean by domain?

Learning can be divided into three domains:

  • Cognitive:This is the most commonly used domain. It deals with the intellectual side of learning.
  • Affective:This domain includes objectives relating to interest, attitude, and values relating to learning the information.
  • Psychom*otor:This domain focuses on motor skills and actions that require physical coordination.

What verbs should I use for each domain?

CognitiveAffectivePsychom*otor

Remembering

  • Define
  • Duplicate
  • Draw
  • List
  • Label
  • Memorize
  • Name
  • Recall
  • Recite
  • Repeat
  • Reproduce
  • State

Understanding

  • Classify
  • Describe
  • Discuss
  • Explain
  • Identify
  • Locate
  • Recognize
  • Report
  • Select
  • Translate
  • Paraphrase
  • Visualize

Applying

  • Apply
  • Change
  • Choose
  • Construct
  • Demonstrate
  • Dramatize
  • Employ
  • Illustrate
  • Interpret
  • Modify
  • Operate
  • Produce
  • Schedule
  • Sketch
  • Solve
  • Translate
  • Use
  • Write

Analyzing

  • Categorize
  • Compare
  • Contrast
  • Deduce
  • Discriminate
  • Distinguish
  • Examine
  • Question
  • Separate
  • Test

Evaluating

  • Appraise
  • Argue
  • Decide
  • Critique
  • Criticize
  • Defend
  • Judge
  • Prioritize
  • Rate
  • Rant
  • Select
  • Support
  • Value
  • Evaluate

Creating

  • Assemble
  • Construct
  • Create
  • Compose
  • Develop
  • Formulate
  • Invent
  • Originate
  • Write

Receiving (listening and being attentive)

  • Ask
  • Choose
  • Describe
  • Follow
  • Give
  • Hold
  • Identify
  • Locate
  • Name
  • Pointto
  • Select
  • Sit
  • Erect
  • Reply
  • Use

Responding (active participation)

  • Answer
  • Assist
  • Comply
  • Conform
  • Discuss
  • Greet
  • Help
  • Label
  • Perform
  • Practice
  • Present
  • Read
  • Recite
  • Report
  • Select
  • Tell
  • Write

Valuing (value attached to a subject)

  • Complete
  • Describe
  • Differentiate
  • Explain
  • Follow
  • Forms
  • Initiate
  • Invite
  • Join
  • Justify
  • Propose
  • Read
  • Select
  • Share
  • Study
  • Work

Organization (beginning to build consistent value system)

  • Adhere
  • Alter
  • Arrange
  • Combine
  • Compare
  • Complete
  • Defend
  • Explain
  • Generalize
  • Identify
  • Integrate
  • Modify
  • Order
  • Organize
  • Relate
  • Synthesize

Characterization (value system controls behavior)

  • Act
  • Discriminate
  • Display
  • Influence
  • Listen
  • Modify
  • Performs
  • Practices
  • Propose
  • Qualify
  • Question
  • Revise
  • Serve
  • Solve
  • Use
  • Verify

Imitation (learner imitates an action after a visual demonstration)

  • Align
  • Balance
  • Follow
  • Grasp
  • Hold
  • Place
  • Repeat
  • Rest
  • Step

Manipulation (performance of an action with written/verbal instructions)

  • Align
  • Balance
  • Follow
  • Grasp
  • Hold
  • Place
  • Repeat

Precision

  • Accurately
  • Errorlessly
  • Independently
  • Proficiently
  • With balance
  • With control

Articulation (display of coordination of a series of related acts)

  • Confidence
  • Coordination
  • Harmony
  • Integration
  • Proportion
  • Smoothness
  • Speed
  • Stability
  • Timing

Naturalization (high level of proficiency)

  • Automatically
  • Effortlessly
  • Naturally
  • Professionally
  • Routinely
  • Spontaneously
  • With ease
  • With perfection
  • With poise

References

Kretchmar, J. (2019). Affective domain. Salem Press Encyclopedia.

Indiana University Bloomington. (n.d.). Learning taxonomy: Krathwohl's affective domain. https://global.indiana.edu/documents/Learning-Taxonomy-Affective.pdf

National Association of School Psychologists. (2016). Tips for writing effective learning objectives.Communique,44(7), 23.

University of Washington. (n.d.). Cognitive, affective, and psychom*otor domains grading. http://courses.washington.edu/pharm439/Bloomstax.htm

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  • Last Updated Feb 27, 2024
  • Views 564868
  • Answered By Kerry Louvier

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