Which statement best describes a performance objective?

Which statement best describes a performance objective?

• A. Describes knowledge to learn.
• B. Describes observable student behavior or task outcome.
• C. Describes how to organize the class.
• D. Is the same as a learning objective.

Answer: (B)

A performance objective focuses on what a student will be able to do that can be observed or measured. It states an observable action, often with a condition and a criterion, so you can directly assess whether the student has met the goal. For example, a statement like “The student will accurately solve eight two-digit addition problems within five minutes using the standard algorithm” describes an observable behavior (solving problems), a specific task condition (within five minutes, using the standard algorithm), and a clear measure of success (eight correct problems). Describing knowledge to learn focuses on content or concepts the student should know, not on an observable demonstration, which is why it doesn’t capture how you’ll prove mastery. Describing how to organize the class is about classroom management, not student performance. And while learning objectives can cover various goals, a performance objective specifically emphasizes observable performance or task outcomes, making it the best fit for this description.

A performance objective focuses on what a student will be able to do that can be observed or measured. It states an observable action, often with a condition and a criterion, so you can directly assess whether the student has met the goal. For example, a statement like “The student will accurately solve eight two-digit addition problems within five minutes using the standard algorithm” describes an observable behavior (solving problems), a specific task condition (within five minutes, using the standard algorithm), and a clear measure of success (eight correct problems).

Describing knowledge to learn focuses on content or concepts the student should know, not on an observable demonstration, which is why it doesn’t capture how you’ll prove mastery. Describing how to organize the class is about classroom management, not student performance. And while learning objectives can cover various goals, a performance objective specifically emphasizes observable performance or task outcomes, making it the best fit for this description.