What are Educational Objectives?

Educational Objectives are required for sessions to be eligible for Continuing Education (CE) credit. 

Writing Educational Objectives (according to the APA)

• Educational objectives, or learning outcomes, are statements that clearly describe what the learner will know or be able to do as a result of having attended an educational program or activity.

• Educational objectives must be observable and measurable.

• Educational objectives should (1) focus on the learner, and (2) contain action verbs that describe measurable behaviors

• Verbs to consider when writing Educational objectives:

  • list, describe, recite, write
  • compute, discuss, explain, predict
  • apply, demonstrate, prepare, use
  • analyze, design, select, utilize
  • compile, create, plan, revise
  • assess, compare, rate, critique

• Verbs to avoid when writing Educational objectives

  • know, understand, have
  • learn, appreciate
  • become aware of, become familiar with

• Examples of well-written Educational objectives:

  • Implement traditional exposure-based interventions as adapted for an acceptance-based model.
  • Describe the role and significance of avoidance in the development and maintenance of psychopathology.
  • Conduct a full-scale values assessment with clients.

• Examples of poor Educational Objectives:

  • Hear the latest research about ACT. (not learner-focused; not about measurable behaviors)
  • See a role-play. (not learner-focused; not about measurable behaviors)