Instructional design/Learning objectives/Examples and Non-Examples of Conditions Phrases

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Helpful Questions when writing Conditions

The intent of adding conditions to a learning objective is to provide clarification about what the learner must do and how they will accomplish the performance. When deciding how to word the condition phrase answer the following questions:

  1. What tools, resources, and job aids will the learner be allowed to use?
  2. What will the learner not be allowed to use?
  3. Under what conditions will the desired performance occur?

Non-Examples of False Conditions

One common error when writing learning objectives is to include instructional activities, teaching strategies, or classroom events that precede the performance of the learner. But a learning objective is concentrated on what the "learner" must do and how they will do it. It is not focused on an instructor's performance.

A voltage source, V, drives an electric current, I , through resistor, R, the three quantities obeying Ohm's law: V = IR.

For example:


The conditional phrases "After listening to this presentation.." ,"After reading the chapter on electrical currents...", and "Given adequate practice" do not describe the resources or environment that will be provided to the learner in the performance of the actual behavior. The phrases describe what leads up to the behavior which is the teacher's performance or an instructional activity.

A better example to the previous objectives would be:

Non-Examples of Unclear Conditions

Another common error in writing learning objectives is a lack of specifics and clear guidance when creating the conditions phrase. Remember, one of the key points in adding conditions is to clarify any misunderstanding concerning the performance.

For example:


A better example provides more description about the condition.

Practice and Feedback


With reference to the helpful questions section, choose the best answer for the following two questions?

1. Which of these conditions is a false condition?

...With reference to the Volkswagen technical manual,
...After the student solves ten problems using Ohm's Law,
...Given a United States Map with the capitals and states,

2. Which of these is the best example of a condition phrase?

...Given a book,
...After the instructor's lecture on protons and neutrons,
...Given the periodic table of elements,

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References

Mager, Robert F. (1997) Preparing Instructional Objectives, Atlanta, GA: The Center for Effective Performance.

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