For Audience
good performance objective defines the training audience, so the first step trainers must take is to clearly identify and describe the target group for the training. Do not, however, describe the instructor or what the instructor does. Be sure to specify all members of the training group. Do not use phrases like “60 percent of the trainees.” Using such statements implies that only some trainees will meet the objective and tends to reduce the trainer’s enthusiasm for the instruction once 60 percent of the trainees have mastered the objective. Assume that everyone is capable of meeting the training objectives. Examples of training audiences include
- All journeyman-level technicians
- All technical management trainees
- All fourth-year cosmetologists
- All new employees
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B is For Behavior
A good objectives specifies the behavior that trainees should exhibit following instruction. Two words to remember when specifying behavior are “objective” and “measurable” For an objective to be observable and measurable, it must describe what action
you expect to see. Thus. Objectives must include action verbs. For example, if the objective States that trainees must disassemble a carburetor you should be able to observe the disassembly and measure whether it was disassembled correctly.
Sometimes trainers must measure performance indirectly. Suppose, for example, that
trainees are required to calculate the sum of numbers in their head. The trainer cannot see the calculation being made, but performance can certainly be measured by checking the answer written on the test. Examples of behaviors include
- will calculate the sum of…..
- will disassemble a carburetor
- will construct model bridge
- will name the components of…
In writing behaviors into performance objectives, be careful to avoid intangibles such as “will know.”or “will learn.”These behaviors are neither observable nor specific enough to measure. Instead, ask what the students must do in order to convince you that they know, have learned, or appreciate the materials in the lesson. When you identify that word or action, include it as an objective.