They are statements communicating instructional intent describing a proposed, observable, measurable change in a learner.  Objectives also describe outcomes rather than a description or summary of the content.

Audience-   specifies who will perform the behavior

Behavior-   what the learner will do, know, feel, value or believe

  must be observable and measureable

  must be described using an action verb (i.e., choose, identify, pick, describe,

  match, assess, explain, compare, interpret, etc.)

Conditions-   where and/or when performance behavior will occur

Degree-   the standard or criterion for performance

Reference: Berry, L. (2002). From nurse to educator: Creating effective learning experiences for adults. Hartman Publishing: Albuquerque, NM.

Example:

Given the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk, the student will be able to identify an older adult’s risk for pressure sores in their next clinical day with all items of the tool calculated and scored.

Audience- The student

Behavior- identify an older adult’s risk for pressure sores

Conditions- in their next clinical day

Degree- all items of the tool calculated and scored.