Learning Objective Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the learning objective calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Learning Objective Calculator

Formulas Used

Recommended Learning Objectives

objectives = num_objectives

Total Assessment Items

total_assessments = num_objectives * assessments_per_objective

Hours Allocated

coverage_check = num_objectives * hours_per_objective

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
course_hoursTotal Course Hours48
hours_per_objectiveHours per Objective4
assessments_per_objectiveAssessment Items per Objective3
num_objectivesDerived value= floor(course_hours / hours_per_objective)calculated

How It Works

How to Plan Learning Objectives

Learning objectives define what students should know or be able to do after instruction.

Formula

Objectives = floor(Course Hours / Hours per Objective)

Assessment Items = Objectives x Items per Objective

Guidelines

  • Each objective needs 2-6 instructional hours
  • Each objective should have 2-5 assessment items
  • Use Bloom's Taxonomy: Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, Create

    • Worked Example

    48-hour course, 4 hours per objective, 3 assessments each.

    course_hours = 48hours_per_objective = 4assessments_per_objective = 3
    1. 01Objectives = floor(48 / 4) = 12
    2. 02Assessment items = 12 x 3 = 36
    3. 03Hours allocated = 12 x 4 = 48 (fully covered)

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Learning Objective Calculator