Introduction

A learning goal (aka learning objective or learning outcome) is a statement that describes what a learner is expected to know, understand, or be able to do at the end of a learning experience. It is a clear and measurable objective that guides the learning process and helps learners focus on what they need to achieve.

The development of learning goals is an important part of the learning process. It helps to ensure that the learning experience is aligned with the desired outcomes and that learners are able to achieve the desired level of mastery.

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Bloom’s Taxonomy is a framework for categorizing learning objectives.[1,2] It is a hierarchy of six levels of cognitive complexity, ranging from lower-order thinking skills to higher-order thinking skills. These levels include:

– Remember: This level involves the recall of basic facts or information.
– Understand: This level involves the comprehension of concepts and ideas.
– Apply: This level involves the use of knowledge and skills to solve problems or complete tasks.
– Analyze: This level involves the breaking down of information into its component parts to understand how it works.
– Evaluate: This level involves making judgments about the value or quality of information.
– Create: This level involves the synthesis of information to generate new ideas or products.

Developing Learning Goals

When developing learning goals, it is important to consider the following:

– Relevance: The learning goal should be relevant to the learner’s needs and interests.
– Clarity: The learning goal should be clear and specific.
– Measurability: The learning goal should be measurable so that progress can be tracked and assessed.
– Achievability: The learning goal should be achievable within the given timeframe and resources.
– Alignment: The learning goal should be aligned with the desired outcomes and the Bloom’s Taxonomy level.

Examples of Learning Goals

Examples of learning goals that are aligned with the Bloom’s Taxonomy level include:

– Remember: Memorize the multiplication tables up to 10.
– Understand: Explain the cause and effect relationship between climate change and the melting of the polar ice caps.
– Apply: Use the Pythagorean theorem to solve problems involving right triangles.
– Analyze: Analyze the plot structure of a novel and identify the rising action, climax, and resolution.
– Evaluate: Evaluate the effectiveness of a marketing campaign and recommend improvements.
– Create: Create a prototype of a new product that meets specific user needs.

Conclusion

A learning goal is a clear and measurable objective that guides the learning process and helps learners focus on what they need to achieve. The development of learning goals is an important part of the learning process, and it is essential to ensure that the learning experience is aligned with the desired outcomes and the Bloom’s Taxonomy level.