SWBAT Learning Objectives
One of the foundational skills I developed in my Education Master’s degree program was how to write learning objectives. I was taught the SWBAT method and still use it to this day in my instructional design career, with a twist.
SWBAT stands for “Students will be able to…”, and it is always followed by a verb. I like this approach because it is action based. The objective should NOT be ‘Students will learn…’ Knowledge for knowledge’s sake can be fun, but in the work place, ain’t nobody got time for that.
Speaking of workplaces, how do I adapt this for corporate L&D? Instead of SWBAT, I use LWBAT. “Learners will be able to…”
Here are some examples of how to develop learning objectives using this technique:
Learners will be able to perform with >96% accuracy during their trial period on the call center floor.
Learners will be able to modify a template in the Email Editor software.
Learners will be able to independently navigate the organization’s internal SharePoint.
Learners will be able to process customer requests with 10% less errors than last year.
Learners will be able to create Kanban boards on Jira for their teams.
LWBAT centers application by stating a concrete action that results from the learning experience. For clear and empowering learning objectives, I highly recommend using LWBAT when you are formatting these statements.
