Learning Objectives: Stems and Samples

Generally, learning objectives are written in terms of measurable outcomes: What do you want your students to learn as a result of the lesson? How can they demonstrate their learning? Follow the three-step process below for creating learning objectives.

1. Create a stem. Stem Examples:

After completing the lesson, the student will be able to . . .
After this unit, the student will have . . .
By completing the activities, the student will . . . At the conclusion of the course/unit/study the student will . . .

2. After you create the stem, add a verb: (below are some samples):

After completing the lesson, the student will be able to:

explain the meaning of the legal term(s): _____.
edit a draft for a specific purpose such as _____ (word choice, etc.)
identify the definition of _____ (legal terminology).
analyze and synthesize relevant case law using the Socratic (law school) method
make inferences of intent from a legal decision
define the legal term _____
re-tell in his/her own words the
summarize the reasoning of a legal decision
demonstrate understanding by writing three facts about a legal argument