Anytime we are involved in an activity, we should have a reason for doing it. These reasons are often referred to as goals or objectives. Individuals set goals; businesses set goals. You will be setting goals or objectives relating to the activities you will be involved in at your CWEE job site. In CWEE, we will refer to these as measurable learning objectives. The learning objectives are specific, measurable, limited to a single definite result, and have a completion date. You, your Job Site Supervisor, and your CWEE Instructor will be involved in writing the learning objectives and, later, the evaluation of your accomplishment of the learning objectives.

MEASURABLE LEARNING OBJECTIVES – WHAT, WHY, AND HOW?

What do we mean by a measurable learning objective? A measurable learning objective is a statement that clearly and precisely describes what it is that you intend to accomplish this semester at your job site. Each learning objective involves NEW learning, EXPANDED growth, or IMPROVEMENT on the job, and benefits both you and the company.

Why have learning objectives? CWEE is an academic program designed to enhance your college education. Learning objectives are one of the most effective methods devised to assess the extent and value of your classroom learning when applied to a job situation.

How do you develop and write your learning objectives? Start by reviewing the skills you use daily at the job site. Is there opportunity to expand or improve on these skills? Then, observe others in your company and ask yourself what new skills could you gain? what special project could you work on? what other areas in the company would you like access to that would enhance your chance for promotion or better prepare you for another job in the future?

GETTING STARTED -- For each objective, you should be able to answer the following four questions:

What do you want to learn? (What is the task to be accomplished?)

How will you learn it? (How will it be accomplished?)

How will the results be measured? (How will it be evaluated and by whom?)

When will it be accomplished? (By what date will it be completed?)

Remembering that the learning objective must be specific, measurable, limited to a single definite result, and has a completion date, review the sample given below.

What do you want to learn? How to input customer information on the computer.

How will you learn it? To be done by following handbook instructions and inputting information at least three times a week.

How will the results be measured? My supervisor will observe and verify that I can correctly record customer information.

When am I going to complete this objective? supply a date, e.g., 15 July 2004

Once you have answered the questions, write the objective in its final form. A correctly written learning objective begins with "To." "To" is followed by an action word (see list), description, measurement, and completion date (see examples below).

Final form: To demonstrate to my supervisor that I can input customer information on a regular basis (using the handbook as by guide) by [date]

SUGGESTED "ACTION WORD" LIST

• To write clear, precise sales slips to the satisfaction of my supervisor through June 21
• To compute accurate bills for tools, materials, and labor charges by September 30
• To list and identify at least 10 budget classifications by March 31
• To research and prepare a list of computer terminal costs by August 1
• To learn the names of at least 15 regular customers by April 1
• To assemble cabinets according to company procedures by April 16
• To cross-train in at least one other department by April 15
• To list and describe at least 5 administered medications and describe indications, side effects, and generic names by September 30
• To increase production by at least 10% from 500 units to 550 units per week by May 1
• To proofread all documents typed, and ensure 100% accuracy on all final drafts prepared through April 10
• To correctly complete an accident investigation report according to departmental procedures by August 1
• To plan and reorganize the reading learning center in the 2nd grade class by Mary 4
• To apply dressing, using sterile techniques, on at least 2 patients to the satisfaction of the ward supervisor by July 1
• To compile a list of 10 customer relation techniques and practice them on the customers through April 1
• To develop an efficient courier route and to identify the customers by July 10
• To demonstrate the correct procedures for receiving, and signing for, at least 5 UPS shipments by November 3
• To read and summarize at least one article on shoplifting prevention, and discuss it with my supervisor by July 15
• To improve my telephone communication to the satisfaction of my supervisor by April 30
• To demonstrate proficiency in the operation of the collating machine according to the user's manual by March 4
• To plan, implement, and evaluate weekly curriculum activities for the 5th grade class by September 30

Learning Objectives Worksheet is the last part of the Printer-friendly version

If you have questions or need additional information, contact Leslie Read, the CWEE Coordinator, or the CWEE Office in 2100B, lower campus. Office hours are Mon. through Thurs. 1 - 4 pm. The office phone is 831.477.5650.