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, summarize
- assess, compare, contrast, rate, critique
- Verbs to avoid when writing Educational objectives
- know, understand, learn, become aware of, become familiar with, have a working knowledge of
- be able to use, help clients respond to, approach, tweak
- expand, grow, increase, improve
- explore, express, appreciate, think critically
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)