Criterion referenced objectives: a road map for course design

This paper provides examples and tables that illustrate the process and use of criterion referenced objectives in course design. Instructional design processes include the development of course control documents. When sufficiently detailed course control documents are developed, to sufficient detail, courseware is: (1) produced more efficiently, (2) easily traced back to validated training requirements, and (3) more capable of surviving rigorous tests for validity. A key element in course design is developing a set of properly written objectives. This paper outlines the relationship of objectives to course control documents and describes how appropriately written criterion referenced objectives can guide courseware writers through the course development process. Properly stated objectives guide by incorporating indicators useful in grouping objectives by learning domains, grouping objectives into units of instruction, dividing units of instruction into individual lessons, and assigning instructional media to each lesson.<
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