Learning Objectives

What are learning objectives?

Learning objectives are specific, measurable learning outcomes developed to guide workplace training content. Before organizations create a training course, the author establishes learning objectives to describe the expected behavior changes learners should expect to achieve. These educational objectives serve as a roadmap for course designers and often address knowledge, skill, or behavioral gaps that align with specific business goals. 

Example: Writing effective learning objectives for our workplace training program drives better, more focused business outcomes. 

How to write effective learning objectives

Effective learning objectives communicate to employees and key stakeholders the anticipated benefits of a training program. Many organizations use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to guide learning objectives. Course objectives typically include an action verb like explain, recall, define, evaluate, or organize.

Learning objective examples include: 

• To reduce workplace safety incidents by 20% over the next two quarters, employees who take this course should be able to explain OSHA’s Focus Four Hazards and apply this knowledge of risks to their role. 
• To raise customer satisfaction scores (CSAT) by 30% by the end of Q2, all reps will be able to identify effective customer communication practices. 
• Sales reps who complete this microlearning will be able to define competitor product weaknesses and strengths.
• All learners who take the course on phishing attacks will evaluate a mock email and assess if it’s legitimate or spam.

Writing effective learning objectives like these will improve L&D content relevance, application, and engagement for your learners.