When designing instruction, you should start by creating clearly-defined, measurable learning objectives that:
Ensure that your learning objectives include three key components:
You might already have a list of topics in mind that you'd like to cover. How do you turn those topics into a list of learning objectives? The following table illustrates a revision process that you might undertake.
| Moving from general topics to specific learning objectives |
|---|
First draft: Lewis Structures, VSEPR Theory, Valence Bond Theory Tip: These are topics the learner should know, but we're interested in tasks the learner needs to do. |
Revision: Know about Lewis Dot Structures. Tip: Choose a more specific verb. "Know" is difficult to measure. Try using the list of action verbs as a guide (see below). |
Revision: Draw and interpret a Lewis Dot Structure. Tip: These are actually two objectives (i.e. "Draw and interpret"). Focus on one at a time. |
Revision: Draw a Lewis Dot Structure. Tip: Under what condition should this task be performed? In this case, what information is the student given? |
Revision: Given a molecule, draw a Lewis Dot Structure. Tip: Are there any standards that must be met? What is the criteria for success? |
| Revision: Given a molecule, draw a Lewis Dot Structure that best represents the arrangement of bonds and valence electrons. |
The following table provides a list of suitable action verbs at each level of Bloom's Taxonomy.
| Knowledge | Comprehension | Application | Analysis | Synthesis | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arrange Define Describe Identify Label List Match Memorize Name Order Outline Recall Recognize Record Relate Repeat Reproduce Select State Tell Underline | Classify Compare Convert Defend Describe Discuss Distinguish Estimate Explain Express Extend Identify Indicate Infer Locate Paraphrase Predict Recognize Restate Rewrite Review Select Summarize Tell Translate | Apply Change Choose Complete Compute Construct Demonstrate Discover Dramatize Draw Employ Illustrate Interpret Manipulate Modify Operate Practice Predict Prepare Produce Relate Schedule Show Sketch Solve Use Write | Analyze Appraise Breakdown Calculate Categorize Compare Contrast Criticize Debate Diagram Differentiate Discriminate Distinguish Examine Experiment Identify Illustrate Infer Inspect Inventory Model Outline Point out Question Relate Select Separate Subdivide Test | Arrange Assemble Categorize Collect Combine Comply Compose Construct Create Design Develop Devise Explain Formulate Generate Manage Organize Plan Prepare Propose Rearrange Reconstruct Relate Reorganize Revise Rewrite Set up Summarize Synthesize Tell Write | Appraise Argue Assess Attach Choose Compare Conclude Contrast Defend Describe Discriminate Estimate Evaluate Explain Interpret Judge Justify Measure Relate Predict Rate Revise Score Select Summarize Support Value |