Aims and Outcomes
Aims and Outcomes
AIMS are what YOU wish the program to achieve.
A simple statement summing up the type and scope of the program / session.
Outcomes are what the Participants WILL BE ABLE TO DO at the end of the session.
When the session or program is over, you evaluate whether these objectives have been
met or not.
This list of verbs can be used when writing objectives. They are in 5 categories to help
you better select the best word for the type of learning that you want them to achieve.
| Acquiring Knowledge |
Enhancing Cognitive Skills |
Developing Psychomotor Skills |
Strengthening Problem Finding and Solving Capabilities |
Changing Attitudes, Values, Beliefs and or Feelings |
| To identify To list To define To describe To state To name To prepare To recall To categorize To chart To rank To distinguish To explain To outline To inform To label To specify To tell To memorize To reproduce To recognize To recite |
To reflect To compare To contrast To catalogue To classify To examine To evaluate To forecast To formulate To investigate To modify To organize To plan To research To study To translate To differentiate To analyse To compute To devise To renew To synthesize To relate To group To estimate To edit |
To demonstrate To assemble To adjust To install To apply To operate To detect To locate To isolate To arrange To build To conduct To manipulate To fix To lay out To perform To sort To construct To draw To employ To design To sign up To practice To exhibit To diagram |
To propose To practice To enhance To recognise To clarify To determine To decompose To consider To deconstruct To fetter out To discover To uncover To select To analyse To evaluate To search To practice To construct To simulate To employ To examine To change To diagnose To prioritise |
To challenge To defend To judge To question To accept To share To adopt To advocate To bargain To cooperate To endorse To justify To persuade To resolve To select To dispute To approve To choose To feel To care To express To reflect To protest To sort To control To value |
(Bloom, 1956; Kemp, Morrison, and Ross, 1996; Smith and Ragan, 1999)
Outcomes should be written clearly and simply, be achievable and measurable.
Learning objectives are useful for four reasons (Smith and Ragan 1999). They provide a
focus and consistency for the design of instruction; guidelines for choosing course
content and instructional methods; a basis for evaluating what participants have learnt;
and directions for learners to help them organize their own learning.
Here are some examples of programs, their aims and objectives:
Support Group for Chinese Parents
Aim: To equip Chinese parents with the necessary skills to maintain a stronger
relationship with their school age children.
Outcomes
By the end of the program, the participants will be able
-to improve their awareness of the differences between Chinese and Australian values in
the context of a family.
-to enhance a parent’s general knowledge and English skills in topics of interest to their
children.
-to discover good interactive behaviours through guided quality time.
NESB Domestic Violence Awareness Group.
Aim: To raise the awareness of people from NESB backgrounds to the issues and values
regarding Domestic Violence in Australia. This group aims to help them find support, to
know their rights and to provide them with a venue to share and express their needs.
Outcomes:
By the end of the program, the participant will be able
-to understand the concept of Human Rights and Equality
-to express their experiences and needs.
– to explore the different issues arising from domestic violence in their community and
the Australian community.
-to access referral and community help.
Workspace
Aim: Workspace is an employment assistance program that helps TAFE students to find
suitable forms of employment. It provides information, training, motivation and support.
Outcomes
At the end of the program the students will be able
-to write a cover letter
-to write a suitable resume for the type of employment they seek.
-to apply interview skills
-to have access to suitable employment.
