Learning Objective And Operational Learning Objectives

Knowles Learning Objectives

Program planning for adult learners can be a difficult and time consuming task. However the use of program objectives can give clarity and understanding to the program developer, resulting in greater a understanding of what is needed to achieve specific goals. Program “Objectives say what the student will be able to do or think or feel or say as a result of the planned learning/teaching event” (Daines, Daines, & Graham, 1993 p. 21). According to Daines et al. (1993, p. 22), objectives should not only describe the desired behaviour but also the conditions under which attainment is to be demonstrated, and the criteria for such success”. This essay will critically discuss two theories created by Knowles, which are known as ‘educational’ learning objectives and ‘operational’ learning objectives. The positive and negative aspects of these theories will be acknowledged, and why some components are more essential in the overall process of …show more content…
Operational planning can seem good in theory, but in actuality it may offer challenges. For example, many students may work better in a structured learning environment that has more emphasis on a teacher student setting (Bright, 2013). A major concern here is that operational learning may focus too heavily on improving resources for adult learners, which could take the focus away from what the students want or require for success in the program. Some students may need face-to-face learning, whereas some may prefer require online learning (there are more examples of educational and operational learning, however these are very common and straightforward) (Bright, 2013). Consequently, balancing these alternatives can be a difficult and costly task, which is why operational learning objectives could only be used in specific programs with flexible