> Formal Ability-Based Objectives are the most detailed and descriptive form for writing learning objectives.  They provide a clear indication of what the students is expected to learn and do as a result of the instruction, under what conditions the learned ability is to be done, and the criteria for evaluating successful performance. Terminal objectives, or major learning outcomes, are frequently written as formal objectives.

Informal Ability-Based Objectives are certainly less exacting than formal objectives in that they may only describe what the student is expected to do as proof of learning.  Without the conditions (that are optional) or the criteria for acceptable level of performance, they do not provide the most complete guidance or information to the student or the teacher.  Supporting or enabling objectives are frequently written in an informal format.

© 2005 Towson University ◦ Gloria P. Holland, Ed.D.