Learning Objectives

WHAT are learning objectives?
Goals you set for your learning during the work term. Some of your learning will occur formally, through training or research, and some will occur informally, through experience. You may set goals for learning about topics such as professional ethics or computer software. You may also set goals for developing work habits, employment skills or technical expertise.

WHY do I need to write learning objectives?
The goal of co-operative education is to combine academic and practical learning. Setting objectives for your learning is an integral part of your co-op experience. In addition, learning objectives are a required component of your work term report.

WHEN do I write my learning objectives?
You can set your learning objectives as soon as you are fairly certain what your job entails. Most co-op students reach this point within a couple of weeks of starting their job. We recommend that you discuss your objectives with your supervisor early in the work term.

Arts Co-op and Science Co-op students on first work term:
Send your learning objectives to your co-op co-ordinator by e-mail, along with your initial analysis, by the end of your first month on the job.

All other co-op students:
Send your learning objectives to your co-op co-ordinator by e-mail before your work term visit, or provide a print copy during the work term visit.

WHO reads them?
Your learning objectives are read by your co-op co-ordinator before or during your work term visit.

(Please include your learning objectives in your work report.)

HOW do I write learning objectives?

•  Most co-op students set five or six learning objectives. 
• Explain how you will reach each goal.
• You are unique, so your learning objectives should be different from those of other students.
  

Learning objectives should be SMART:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Realistic
• Truthful

Example:
"I plan to learn how to enhance my presentations by incorporating computerized slides. I will consult an on-line PowerPoint training manual while preparing a presentation I am to make in my final month on the job."

Getting Started:
We encourage you to create objectives that are meaningful for you and relevant to your work and discipline. To get started, ask yourself the following questions.

Which:

• theoretical concepts can I apply to my work?
• technical skills, such as procedures or software programs, will I develop?
• work habits should I try to improve?
• personal skills, such as communication, teamwork, organizational or analytical skills, are likely to improve through my work? 
•  research could I conduct into the field or industry?
• professional ethics and ethical standards apply to this industry? 
• career opportunities exist in this field or industry? 
• aspects of the organization’s corporate culture might I learn about? 

What if I’m UNABLE to meet some of my objectives?
Even if you are unable to meet certain objectives, you can still demonstrate what you have learned from the experience. In your work report, explain why you couldn’t meet those objectives and discuss what you have learned from the experience.

Review your learning objectives regularly to keep track of your progress.