Texas A&M University Assessment Manual
Chapter 3: Establishing Objectives
Definition
Objectives are defined as specific statements that describe desired learning outcomes of a department. Objectives describe specific student behaviors the department expects its students to demonstrate at the end of instruction based on the department’s goals. Departmental objectives should be in a written format and be reviewed, revised, and updated on a regular basis.
Types of Written Objectives
Mastery objectives are written statements describing minimal performance requirements the department expects all students to achieve at the end of instruction in order to be successful at the next level of instruction.
Examples
- Balance chemical equations.
- Read blueprints or wiring diagrams.
- Identify different parts of a cell.
Developmental objectives are written statements describing students’ performance that the department expects students to achieve in varying degrees dependent upon each student’s skill level at the end of instruction.
Examples
- Student understands a scientific theory.
- student is able to state the theory.
- student is able to give examples of the theory.
- student is able to apply the theory.
How can mastery and developmental objectives be derived?
- Courses
- syllabi
- textbooks
- assignments
- Faculty expertise
- Organizations / outside activities
- Practical experience
- internships
- practicums
Can you measure / assess whether written departmental objectives are met?
To address this question, outcomes of the program must be assessed.
Adopted and modified based on: Moore, D. (1992). Shaping Department Goals and Objectives for Assessment, Assessment Workbook. Muncie, IN: Ball State University.
References:
- Gardiner, L.F. (1989). Planning for Assessment – Mission Statements, Goals,
and Objectives: A Guide for Colleges and Universities. Trenton, NJ: Office of Learning Assessment, New Jersey Department of Higher Education.
- Gronlund, N.E. (1981). Measurement and Evaluation in Teaching, (4th ed.). New York: Macmillan.
- Moore, D. (1992). Shaping Department Goals and Objectives for Assessment.
Assessment Workbook. Muncie, IN: Ball State University.