A clearly defined statement describes the knowledge, skills, or behaviors a learner should possess upon completing a learning experience. It represents the ultimate goal of the instruction, signifying the culmination of all enabling objectives. For instance, after a course on project management, a participant will be able to independently manage a small-scale project from initiation to closure, adhering to industry best practices.
Such a statement provides essential focus and direction for instructional design. It ensures alignment between learning activities and desired outcomes, facilitating effective assessment of learner achievement. Historically, these statements have been fundamental to competency-based education, driving curriculum development and providing transparency to learners regarding expectations and evaluative criteria.