A learning objective is a short statement about the goal of a lesson, series of lessons or learning task, and what students are expected to learn by engaging in it. Learning objectives, also known as learning intentions, are most effectively used together with success criteria. Success criteria break down each step towards achieving the learning objective, helping students determine if they’re on track towards reaching each learning objective.
Learning objectives and success criteria form key parts of explicit instruction approaches and formative assessment practices, as they help teachers and students establish a clear and shared understanding of learning goals. By using learning objectives and success criteria, teachers prompt students to think about the knowledge, skills and understanding they have that relate to the task at hand. Activating students’ prior knowledge can help them connect and retain their new learning, while building confidence in their capacity to extend and apply their growing knowledge and skills.
This practice guide will help you reflect and take action to develop your practice with a greater understanding of:
- the learning benefits when students understand the objectives of a lesson and how they can be successful
- specific techniques and strategies you can adopt to understand students’ prior knowledge, create well‑informed learning objectives and success criteria and use them effectively.
Keywords: student engagement