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Course Objectives

A diverse group of four people is engaged in a discussion around a laptop in a meeting room. An older man in a sweater vest and tie gestures while speaking, as a younger man and two women listen attentively. One woman is taking notes in a notebook, and the other looks focused on the speaker. Coffee cups are visible on the table, creating a collaborative and professional atmosphere.

The goal is where we want to be. The objectives are the steps needed to get there. As seen in this flow chart, the outcome and the learning objectives connect you with (and among) your students, the course content, assignments, and your teaching approach.

Structure Your Course

Thoughtful course design requires a structure that ensures students think deeply about new content, practice applying new skills and knowledge, and receive constructive feedback. Students know course expectations and understand how to navigate the course and what to do next. Use this plan your course schedule checklist (docx) to help create your course structure.

Aligning Your Objectives to Your Teaching Approaches

Description Example
Course Goal / Learning Outcome Describes broad aspects of behavior which incorporate a wide range of knowledge and skill. Upon completion of this course the student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to use the conventions of grammar when creating paragraphs.
Learning Objectives Tend to describe specific, discrete units of knowledge and skill can be accomplished within a short timeframe. Given a paragraph of ten sentences, the student will be able to identify ten rules of grammar that are used in its construction.

Example Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the unit on plant growth and development students will be able to:

  • List the five most common plant growth hormones
  • Describe the relationship between carbon dioxide level and photosynthesis
  • Illustrate the transpiration stream in a corn plant

It is easy to measure each of the objectives.

Either the student has or has not accomplished each one. These measurable objectives can then be used as the basis for your grading or another type of student assessment. For example, based on the first learning objective above, if a student is able to list all five plant hormones they earn 100% for the assignment if they can only list four plant hormones they earn 90%, and so on.

Additional Resources