Learning Objectives in Curriculum: "Now I understand why I cannot understand."

Editor: Ava Gozo. 

At first it seemed counter-intuitive to me when I learned that the word "understand" is not preferred as a learning objective. In the estimation of learned educators the word "understand" is generally discouraged in learning objectives because it is not observable or measurable. Effective learning objectives should clearly define what students are expected to achieve in a way that can be assessed. Here are the main reasons why "understand" is not suitable for learning objectives:

Lack of Measurability

"Understand" is a vague term that does not specify a clear, observable action. Learning objectives need to be measurable to assess whether students have achieved the desired outcome. Terms like "describe," "explain," "identify," or "demonstrate" are preferred because they specify actions that can be observed and measured[1][2][3][4][5][6][8][12][13][16][18][19].

Ambiguity

The term "understand" can be interpreted in many ways, making it difficult to ensure consistency in assessment. For example, one student might interpret "understand" as being able to recall information, while another might think it means being able to apply the information in a new context. This ambiguity makes it challenging to create fair and consistent assessments[1][2][3][4][5][6][8][12][13][16][18][19].

Alignment with Bloom's Taxonomy

Bloom's Taxonomy provides a framework for categorizing educational goals by cognitive complexity. The taxonomy includes levels such as remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating. While "understanding" is a level in Bloom's Taxonomy, it is better to use more specific verbs that align with this level, such as "explain," "summarize," or "classify," which provide clearer guidance on what students should be able to do[1][2][3][4][5][6][8][12][13][16][18][19].

Examples of Better Alternatives

Instead of using "understand," you can use more specific and measurable verbs. Here are some examples:

• Poor Objective: Students will understand the causes of World War II.
• Better Objective: Students will be able to list and explain the causes of World War II.

• Poor Objective: Students will understand the principles of photosynthesis.
• Better Objective: Students will be able to describe the process of photosynthesis and identify its stages.

Here is a table with a few more possible alternative verbs:

Conclusion

Using specific, measurable verbs in learning objectives helps ensure that the objectives are clear, observable, and assessable. This clarity benefits both instructors and students by providing a clear roadmap for what is expected and how it will be evaluated[1][2][3][4][5][6][8][12][13][16][18][19].

Citations:
[1] https://teaching-resources.delta.ncsu.edu/learningobjectives/
[2] https://www.himss.org/sites/hde/files/guidelines-for-writing-learning-objectives_0.pdf
[3] https://blog.citl.mun.ca/instructionalresources/learning-outcomes-construction/
[4] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/word-you-should-never-use-learning-objectives-dalmaridis-m-ed-ctdp
[5] https://cteresources.bc.edu/documentation/learning-objectives/
[6] https://jcu.edu/sites/default/files/2020-02/JCU%20Guidelines%20for%20Creating%20Effective%20Learning%20Objectives.pdf
[7] https://www.gardnercampbell.net/blog1/understanding-and-learning-outcomes/
[8] https://apha.confex.com/apha/learningobjectives.htm
[9] https://www.city-data.com/forum/colleges-universities/3245895-assessment-why-demonstrate-your-understanding-not.html
[10] https://www.coleface.co.uk/i-dont-want-to-understand-in-my-learning-objectives/
[11] https://professordrake.com/2019/12/why-learning-objectives-fail/
[12] https://www.celt.iastate.edu/instructional-strategies/preparing-to-teach/tips-on-writing-course-goalslearning-outcomes-and-measureable-learning-objectives/
[13] https://www.reddit.com/r/instructionaldesign/comments/c2vcbu/is_know_a_good_verb_to_use_in_a_learning_objective/
[14] https://www.bobpikegroup.com/trainer-blog/5-steps-to-writing-clear-and-measurable-learning-objectives
[15] https://www.reddit.com/r/Professors/comments/183je34/explicitly_stated_learning_objectives/
[16] https://www.aamc.org/system/files?file=2019-07%2Flearning-objectives.pdf
[17] https://www.lifescied.org/doi/10.1187/cbe.22-04-0073
[18] https://amygottler.co.uk/instructional-design/creating-learning-objectives-why-using-understand-and-know-are-no-nos/
[19] https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/digital-learning/learning-objectives-and-alignment
[20] https://busynessgirl.com/understand-in-learning-objectives-its-the-forest/