Objectives vs. Specific Outcomes

Objectives

Objectives refer to the intended goals or targets of a project or learning experience. They are typically outlined in terms of the subject matter or content that the instructor aims to teach or cover. Objectives are often written from the perspective of the instructor, program, or institution. They provide a general direction and content for the learning experience. Objectives are broader statements that describe what is expected to be accomplished.

Key Facts

  • Objectives refer to what the project or learning experience aims to achieve.
  • They are usually outlined in terms of the subject matter or content that the teacher intends to teach or cover.
  • Objectives are often written from the perspective of the instructor, program, or institution.
  • They provide a general direction and content for the learning experience.
  • Objectives are broader statements that describe what is expected to be accomplished.

Specific Outcomes:

  • Specific outcomes are the business changes or measurable results that directly result from the project or learning experience.
  • They are written in a student-centered, measurable fashion that is concise, meaningful, and achievable.
  • Outcomes are more specific and easily quantifiable compared to objectives.
  • They describe what a student is able to do as a result of completing a learning experience.
  • Specific outcomes are observable and can be assessed.

Specific Outcomes

Specific outcomes are the measurable results or changes that directly result from the project or learning experience. They are written in a student-centered, measurable fashion that is concise, meaningful, and achievable. Outcomes are more specific and easily quantifiable compared to objectives. They describe what a student is able to do as a result of completing a learning experience. Specific outcomes are observable and can be assessed.

Key Differences

The key differences between objectives and specific outcomes are as follows:

  • Objectives are broader statements that describe what is expected to be accomplished, while specific outcomes are more specific and easily quantifiable.
  • Objectives are often written from the perspective of the instructor, program, or institution, while specific outcomes are written from the perspective of the student.
  • Objectives provide a general direction and content for the learning experience, while specific outcomes describe what a student is able to do as a result of completing a learning experience.

Conclusion

Objectives and specific outcomes are both important elements of project planning and learning design. Objectives provide a general direction and content for the learning experience, while specific outcomes describe what a student is able to do as a result of completing a learning experience. By clearly defining both objectives and specific outcomes, educators can ensure that their projects and learning experiences are effective and achieve the desired results.

FAQs

What are objectives?

Objectives are the intended goals or targets of a project or learning experience. They are typically outlined in terms of the subject matter or content that the instructor aims to teach or cover.

What are specific outcomes?

Specific outcomes are the measurable results or changes that directly result from the project or learning experience. They are written in a student-centered, measurable fashion that is concise, meaningful, and achievable.

What is the key difference between objectives and specific outcomes?

The key difference is that objectives are broader statements that describe what is expected to be accomplished, while specific outcomes are more specific and easily quantifiable.

Who are objectives typically written from the perspective of?

Objectives are often written from the perspective of the instructor, program, or institution.

Who are specific outcomes typically written from the perspective of?

Specific outcomes are typically written from the perspective of the student.

What do objectives provide?

Objectives provide a general direction and content for the learning experience.

What do specific outcomes describe?

Specific outcomes describe what a student is able to do as a result of completing a learning experience.

Why is it important to clearly define both objectives and specific outcomes?

By clearly defining both objectives and specific outcomes, educators can ensure that their projects and learning experiences are effective and achieve the desired results.