Discussion

According to the guidelines the most important part of writing learning objectives is the concept of measuring understanding (Main Nurses Association, n.d.). It is then important to understand what can and cannot be measured. When creating learning objectives, the health care providers must be sure to use the correct verb. The choice of verb can help determine if the objective can be measured. The assigned reading gives a list of verbs that can be used to when constructing the learning objectives. These verbs then will allow the patient to demonstrate understanding of the objective.

The reading list six levels of cognitive learning. Cognitive learning is defined as a behavioral change based on the acquisition of information (Mosby's Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Professions, 2009). The six levels have associated action verbs that can facilitate measuring. The six levels are knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) guidelines for learning objectives the health provider must describe the behavior in measurable terms that can be observed at the completion of the learning activity (AAFP, 2013). This applies to the wording of objectives.

There are many examples of the using Bloom's Taxonomy to facilitate the construction of the learning objectives by the health care provider. The focus must be on the learner. This must also include the previous discussion question involving the Health Belief Model.

With these concepts in mind the health care provider then designs an educational program the includes measurable learning objectives. The developer must understand the six levels of cognitive learning and choose the correct level for the proposed objective. The guideline suggests asking three questions to develop the lesson. First what is to be learned, second how to demonstrate or measure, and third what verb to use.

In summary the healthcare worker must understand how to construct a lesson that engages the learning audience and can be measured.