Use this rubric to evaluate your objectives.   You should be able to answer "yes" to each question.   

Rubric Question 

 

Explanation

Does the objective clearly describe when the student will perform the task?

 

  • It should describe the stimulus for the performance; or,
  • It should describe the circumstances which will surround the performance.

 

Does the objective describe an observable behavior?

 

  • You should be able to measure the performance;  or,
  • You should be able to infer it from some measurable thing (e.g., a survey).

 

Does the objective clearly define how well the learner must perform the behavior?

 

  • The objective should describe the level of expertise required; or,
  • It should describe the accuracy or proficiency required.

 

Can you describe the direct relationship between the objective and a relevant aspect of real-world performance? (in STEP exams or Clinical Practice)

 

  • You should be able to defend to a student or peer why the student must learn this to be an effective physician; or,
  • You should be able to describe how this forms a building block for some larger performance.

 

Can you defend the objective’s performance criteria by a recognized reference or principle?

 

  • You should be able to convince others why you picked the criteria level you did.
  • Whenever possible, it is best to cite respected sources.

 

Did the objective originate in a systematic analysis of the performance?

 

  • This should have been the product of a systematic analysis.
  • You should be able to describe how this performance fits in with the larger task performance.  (Why do it?) 

 

Could you write a test item directly from the information in the objective?

 

  • The objective should tell you exactly what the learner should do.
  • The objective should tell you exactly how well the learner should be able to do it.