Specific

Construct specific learning objectives succinctly, using language precise for your field:

Not specific: I will be happier

Specific: I will stop smoking, eat vegetables twice a day, and fat only once a week.

Not specific: I will learn how to make lids.

Specific: I will learn to make 3 types of thrown lids that seat securely, fit closely without binding, have comfortable handles, and are visually proportionate to the pot

Not specific: I will put teaching methods into practice,”

Specific: I will use experiential, project-based curricula to address third grade math concepts.

Not specific: I will design a permaculture garden,”

Specific: I will explore permaculture principles of “obtaining a yield” and “catching and storing energy” by developing a greywater system for sink effluent at b street

Measurable

A good learning goal is measurable. In other words, after you have learned ”it” an outcome, measurement, or behavior of yours can be observed and taken as evidence that you did attain your learning objective. Examples:

Not Measurable: I will learn about natural building

Measurable: “I will determine the proper ratios of clay/sand/fiber mixtures for use in cob buildings and plaster coatings” can be verified through documentation of mixture tests and actual test bricks.

Not Measurable: “I want to make a lot of free throw shots”

Measurable: “I want to make at least 9 out of 10 free throw shots in the next basketball game”

Attainable

Propose learning objectives that are realistic, not grandiose or unobtainable

Not attainable: “I will learn current methods for environmental restoration in the Gales Creek watershed,”

This is a vast undertaking, given how many different problems and methods can be subsumed under “current methods of restoration.” Instead, list specific methods that you are interested in, such as removal of invasive species, mitigation of pollutants, or erosion control.

Not attainable: “I will learn to mix and fire glazes,”

Again, this is a lifetime of work. It would be more realistic to limit goals to a certain kind of glaze or firing method. Instead try:

“Through the use of line blends, I will determine the proportion of iron needed to make a celadon green that fits my aesthetic goals for tableware.”

Not attainable: I want make 200 free throw shots in one game

Attainable: I want to make 8 out of 10 of the free throw shots that I attempt

Relevant

In this case, goals should be relevant to the projected vision and mission of the class project and also be interesting to you personally. For ideas about different kinds of goals that you might set that are relevant to this class, see the “Example Competency Areas” for Sustainable Design and The Creative Process on the “Setting Goals” page of your website. For goals that might be relevant to you personally, consider your life and career interests. Also check out the “Top Ten Skills Employers Look For” section on the “Setting Goals” page of your website.

Additional questions to consider as you write your learning goals:

What new knowledge, skills, or insights might you wish to acquire?
What knowledge of skills will you be able to practice, apply or refine?
What perspectives will you be exposed to that will inform your judgments, comparisons, or appraisals?
What standards ethics, values, or criteria exist within your profession of field of study
What might you learn that will assist you in your own career development, for example:

o Perspectives on your readiness and desire to pursue a particular profession

o Production of items to exhibit your skills, such as a portfolio or work sample

o Experiences training, or certifications required for full-time entry into your profession

Timely

Not timely: I want to learn to play the piano

Timely: I want to learn to play “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” by June 3rd, 2017

For more info on writing goals, see the web. There is much on the topic of writing Values, Vision, Mission, and Goals