List of Verbs for Formulating Learning Objectives
The following verbs have been found to be effective in formulating educational objectives:
1. Those that communicate knowledge:
Information:
Cite identify quote relate tabulate count
Indicate read repeat tell define list
Recite select trace describe name recognize
state update draw point record summarize
Write
Comprehension:
Assess contrast distinguish interpolate restate associate
Demonstrate estimate interpret review classify describe
Estimate interpret review translate compare differentiate
Express predict compute discuss extrapolate report
Application:
Apply employ match relate sketch calculate
Examine operate report solve choose illustrate
Order restate translate complete interpolate practice
Review treat demonstrate interpret predict schedule
Use develop locate prescribe select utilize
Analysis:
Analyze criticize diagram infer question appraise
Debate differentiate inspect separate contract deduce
Distinguish inventory separate contrast detect experiment
Measure
Synthesis:
Arrange construct formulate organize produce assemble
Create generalize plan propose collect design
Integrate prepare specify combine detect manage
Prescribe validate compose document
Evaluation:
Appraise critique evaluate rank score assess
Decide grade rate select choose determine
Judge recommend test compare estimate measure
Revise
2. Those that impart skills:
Demonstrate hold massage pass visualize diagnose
Integrate measure write diagram internalize operate
Project empathize palpate record listen
3. Those that convey attitudes:
Acquire exemplify plan reflect transfer consider
Modify realize revise
These words are better avoided:
Those that are often used but are open to many interpretations:
Appreciate have faith in know learn understand believe
From: Rosof AB. Stating objectives, in Rosof AB Felch WC (eds): Continuing medical education: a
primer, Westport, Conn.: Praeger; 1992:52-59
