Parts of Learning Objectives cont'd

DOE-HDBK-1200-97

Without the use of a legend, interpret and record symbols on a piping and

In either case, the condition statement needs to be relevant to the performance of the

action and should include only that which will be provided or denied the trainee during

performance evaluation.

Condition statements are often implied rather than specified. Using implied condition

statements has an advantage of avoiding redundancy when the conditions are identical for a

set of learning objectives. The disadvantages of implied conditions stem from a tendency to

produce imprecise learning objectives and inefficient instructional designs. For example, an

implied condition might be inferred to mean "under normal operating conditions" when the

performance would actually be required "under all conditions." The implied condition could

conceal from training developers, instructors, and trainees the need to perform at this higher

level. If the developer of the learning objective is not certain that the implied condition is

clear to everyone who may have the responsibility for learning or teaching that objective, it

is best to err on the side of conservatism and include the condition statement.

Stated conditions enhance precision and can provide the situational cues associated with

the appropriate response. Stated conditions can alert trainees to specific job conditions and

prompt the proper response in the presence of the applicable conditions. For example, an

implied condition to the learning objective action statement, "perform cardiopulmonary

resuscitation," provides little information on when this action should occur. This action

statement becomes more meaningful when the condition, "upon discovering an unconscious

person who has no pulse," is stated. Generally, condition statements that call for a

response under any situation signal higher-level objectives. Condition statements benefit

the instructor and the evaluator as well as the trainee. The conditions will set up the

evaluation and also aid the instructor in setting up for instruction. The following are

examples of template-type condition statements:

Upon discovering an unconscious person who has no pulse

Using an approved maintenance work request

Upon observing suspected aberrant behavior