Task 1 – Learning Aims and SMART Learning Objectives (Please Reply to this Post)

[Ahmed Hendi]

Task 1 – Forum (Please Reply to this Post)

Instructions:

1. Read the following articles summarising the points discussed in the online session:

https://resources.time.leeds.ac.uk/litebite/litebiteLearningAimsObjectives/page_02.htm

https://www.teachfloor.com/blog/how-to-write-learning-objectives-using-blooms-taxonomy

 

2. Use the articles to do the following in the LMS forum:
   a. Explain the difference between learning aims and learning objectives.
   b. Provide an example of a learning aim and create a SMART learning objective that relates to it.

To complete this task, you need to comment on 2 posts from your colleagues’ work

[Ahmed Ramadan]

Learning aim is a  broad, general statement of intent—the overall purpose or goal of a course or module,  while an objective is a  more specific statement describing what the learner should or will be able to do after the training. It focuses on concrete, observable outcomes.

Learning Aim (broad, general purpose)

To develop students’ ability to write effective business emails in a professional context.

SMART Learning Objective (specific, measurable, actionable)

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to compose a professional business email of at least 120 words, using appropriate structure (greeting, body, closing) and formal tone, with no more than three language mistake , within 30 minutes.

• This reply was modified 4 weeks ago by Ahmed Ramadan.

[Mona Eissa]

I value the way you differentiated between learning aims and learning objectives. It clarified the concept effectively.

[Ahmad Gamal]

This explanation effectively highlights the difference between general learning aims and precise, measurable objectives. The business email example demonstrates how a Smart objective makes the aim practical and easy to evaluate. Great work!

[Maha Hamdy]

a. Difference between learning aims and learning objectivesLearning aims are broad statements of intent—what the course hopes to achieve overall—but they are not directly measurable. Learning objectives are precise, actionable statements detailing what the learner will be able to do, using observable and assessable language
b. Example

• Aim: To empower learners to communicate confidently in academic discussions.
• SMART Objective: By the end of this two‑hour online session, learners will deliver a 2‑minute oral presentation on a chosen academic topic, using at least three subject‑specific vocabulary terms correctly, with 80% accuracy in pronunciation and usage.

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 5 days ago by Maha Hamdy.

[Ahmed Hendi]

Your learning objective is extremely detailed and clearly shows the distinction between a learning aim and a SMART learning objective. Nicely done!

[Marwa Ahmed]

A learning goal is a broad outcome you want students to achieve by the end of a course, module or unit. It represents the overall purpose of their learning. While a learning objective is more detailed and precise. It identifies what learners will specifically know or be able to do to show progress towards the general aim through a short specific period of time. Objectives are measurable skills that can be assessed.

To cut it short learning goals are general, while learning objectives are specific, measurable and bounded by time.

Aim : develop understanding of ambition and over ambition as human traits.

Objectives: by the end of act 1 students will be able to, 

1- Name three key reasons behind Macbeth’s ambition.

2- Evaluate through a specific action, Macbeth being controlled by his ambition.

3- write a short paragraph of 80% correct usage of past simple and punctuation to prove that Macbeth’s ambition turned to over ambition and destroyed others naming one character

[Ahmed Hendi]

Your example of a learning aim and objective really effectively shows the difference between a broad aim and a SMART objective. Excellent work!

[Ahmed Hendi]

Your learning objective is great, clearly showing a deep understanding of what a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound objective should be. Great work!

[Aliyya Dwidar]

Learning aim is a broad , general statements of what I as a teacher want my students to learn or achieve. It is the {Big-picture} outcomes, often linked to curriculum standards or course goals. So we can say , it’s the purpose behind teaching this unit or this course and lesson.

However, learning objectives are more Specific, measurable statements of what students will be able to do by the end of a lesson and usually time-bound. Since the learning aims are the “why” , the learning objectives are the “how” and ” the “when”.

Example: “By the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify and explain two examples of figurative language in ‘Music for My Mother.’” {Grade 9}

So we can summarize the difference as following:
Aims = Broad intentions (destination).
Objectives =  Specific steps (milestones along the way)

The aim is like saying, “I want to be C2 proficiency in English”

The objective is like saying, “I will  practice listening for 2 hours a day, do shadowing three times a week, for the next 6 months ”

Example:
Learning Aim

• “Students will understand how to capture a reader’s attention and establish context through effective introductions in narrative essays.”
• SMART LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• ““By the end of the lesson,  G9 students will be able to write an introduction for a narrative essay that includes a hook (such as a question, vivid description, or dialogue), introduces the main character(s) or setting, and clearly hints at the conflict or theme, producing at least one well-structured introductory paragraph.”

[Ahmed Hendi]

Your explanation of the difference between learning aim and objective is extremely detailed and well-considered. Amazing work Ms. Aliyya!

[Maha Khaled]

Well explained! I like how you used clear comparisons and practical examples to show the difference between aims and objectives.

[Ahmed Hendi]

Your example of a learning aim and objective really effectively shows the difference between a broad aim and a SMART objective. Excellent work Mr. Ahmed!

Your example of a learning aim and objective really effectively shows the difference between a broad aim and a SMART objective. Excellent work Mr. Ahmed!

[Magdoleen Samir Adeeb]

Difference between Learning Aims and Learning Objectives:

Learning Aim:

• A broad statement of what you intend learners to achieve.
• Focuses on the overall purpose or long-term goal of learning.
• Usually general and not directly measurable.

Learning Objective:

• A specific, measurable statement of what learners will be able to do by the end of the lesson or course.
• Focuses on short-term achievements.
• Directly observable and assessable.

Learning Aim:

Students will understand the structure and function of plant cells.

The objective:

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to label the main parts of a plant cell on a diagram and explain their functions.

[Maha Khaled]

Learning Aim: A broad, overarching statement of intent describing the general direction or purpose of an educational activity—what the training is meant to achieve in a big-picture sense.

Learning Objective: A much more specific and measurable statement detailing what a learner should be able to do after the session. It focuses on concrete outcomes and is often expressed using action verbs.

Example on Present Perfect:

Aim: To help students understand the use of the present perfect tense.

SMART Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will form 5 correct sentences using the present perfect tense in a short exercise.

• Specific: Focuses on forming sentences with the present perfect.
• Measurable: Success is checked by producing 5 correct sentences.
• Achievable: Writing 5 sentences is realistic in one lesson.
• Relevant: Directly supports understanding and practicing the target grammar.
• Time-bound: Must be completed by the end of the lesson.

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 5 days ago by Maha Khaled.

[Sherif Abd El-Megeed]

Learning aim : Is a general statement of you intend to achive in the long term (Overal purpose).

Learning objectives : are a specific, measurable, achivable, relevent and time related steps you take to achive the aim.

Real Example of learning aim (ICT subject):

• To learn the basics in Corel Draw graphic design program.

Real Example of smart learning Objectives (ICT subject):

At the end of this week the student will be able to:

• Identify the types of graphic designs and the graphic design elements.
• Create complex shape/ logos from simple shapes.

[Sherif Abd El-Megeed]

Yes, I think it’s a correct aim and smart (specific) objective.

[Suhair Abdelnasser]

Great examples of learning aims and objectives.

[Aliyya Dwidar]

That’s an awesome understanding for the key differences.

[Ahmed Ramadan]

your comparison between both aims and objectives is perfect you started with board the you specified the objectives and you defined some certain skills should be acquired in a week.

[Mona Eissa]

I found your comparison between learning aims and learning objectives, and the example you provided both clear and well-summarized.

[Ahmed Hendi]

You showcase a clear understanding of the difference between learning aims and SMART learning objectives, and how they are related. If your learning objectives were time-bound (for example “by the end of the session”), it would be even better. Great work Mr. Sherif!

[Nourhan Mousa]

I really like your response. I believe that terminologies like “learn” and “understand” are very vague to add in learning objectives because they lack the “measurable” aspect of how students will be able to meet these objectives.

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I really like your response. I believe that terminologies like “learn” and “understand” are very vague to add in learning objectives because they lack the “measurable” aspect of how students will be able to meet these objectives.

[Mona Eissa]

Q1-Difference Between Learning Aims and Learning Objectives

Learning aims are broad, general statements that describe what a learner is expected to gain or experience as an overall outcome of a lesson, unit, or program. They focus on the bigger picture and communicate the long-term purpose of learning rather than measurable results. It sets the direction of learning and provides an overarching vision without specifying the exact skills or knowledge that students must demonstrate.

In contrast, learning objectives are specific, measurable statements that clearly outline what learners should be able to do as a result of instruction. They break down the aim into smaller, actionable steps that can be observed and assessed.  Unlike aims, objectives focus on tangible outcomes and provide teachers and students with a concrete way to track progress toward achieving the broader learning aim.

Q2-Learning Aim and SMART Objective: Kindness Lesson

Students will develop an understanding of the importance of kindness in building positive relationships and fostering a supportive school environment.

SMART Learning Objective

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to demonstrate kindness by identifying three practical ways they can show kindness to classmates and committing to apply at least one of them within the next school week.

 

[Lama Nazmy]

Your comparison between the learning objectives and learning aims was very detailed and thorough, well said Mona!

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 6 days ago by Lama Nazmy.

[Maha Hamdy]

Great job! You’ve clearly explained the difference between learning aims and objectives in a way that’s easy to understand. I really like how your SMART objective for the kindness lesson is both practical and actionable—it connects well with the broader aim and gives students a clear path to apply what they’ve learned. The commitment to act within the next school week is a strong time-bound element. Well done!

[Sherif Abd El-Megeed]

In fact The comparison between the two was very comprehensive and complete, also the examples of learning aim and learning objectives were clear, specified and smart.

Good Job …..👌👌👌

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 6 days ago by Sherif Abd El-Megeed.

[Marwa Ahmed]

i found your explanation clear and to the point and your task is clearly measured

[Ahmed Hendi]

Your description of learning aims and learning objectives is very clear, and shows your deep understanding of the difference between them and how they are connected. Phenomenal job!

[Suhair Abdelnasser]

1. Aims vs. Objectives:

Learning Aims

• Broad, long-range, and strategic: express the overall purpose or “why” behind learning.
• Represent general outcomes for a course or unit.
• Not directly measurable.
• Example: To foster an understanding of history, culture, and society.

Learning Objectives

• Clear, short-term, and measurable: define what learners will achieve.
• Concrete steps that support the aims.
• Written from the learner’s perspective using action verbs.
• Example: Students will describe the features of narrative essay and draft an introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion using the outline provided.

Connection

• Aims set the overall direction, while objectives outline the steps to reach it.
• Objectives provide the basis for assessment.

 

Example from a literature lesson:
Learning Aim

• To engage students in exploring the themes of fate, choice, and consequence in The Monkey’s Paw.
• SMART Learning Objective
• By the end of the lesson, Grade 8 students will be able to identify and explain two key themes in The Monkey’s Paw and support their ideas with at least one piece of textual evidence, demonstrating comprehension in a short written response.

 

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 6 days ago by Suhair Abdelnasser.

[Suhair Abdelnasser]

Interesting!

[Manar Abdelsalam]

This is a clear comparison of learning aims and objectives. It effectively shows that aims give the overall purpose, while objectives break it down into measurable steps. The examples and focus on assessment make the explanation even stronger.

[Maha Hamdy]

This is a well-structured comparison of aims and objectives! I really like how clearly you’ve outlined the differences and how they connect. Your literature example is excellent—the SMART objective is specific, measurable, and ties in perfectly with the aim. Using textual evidence as part of the assessment is a great way to check understanding. Nicely done!

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 5 days ago by Maha Hamdy.

[Aliyya Dwidar]

That’s awesome comparison and clear description of your aims and objectives.

[Maha Khaled]

Great job! I like how you clearly explained the difference and gave a strong, practical example from literature.

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 5 days ago by Maha Khaled.

[Lama Nazmy]

The connection you made about the aims and objectives was the perfect way to do so.

Your aim and objective are both related to the lesson (literature) and very well structured.

Great job!

[Ahmed Hendi]

I really appreciate how you provided multiple examples for learning aims and objectives. You clearly put a lot of effort in, and your submission shows your deep understanding of this module’s content. Super job!

[Nourhan Mousa]

Your learning objective truly reflects how students would be able to reach the main aim behind the lesson. Thank you for your example and explanation.

[Lama Nazmy]

1. Difference between Learning Aims and Learning Objectives

• Learning aims are the overall goal at the end of the lesson. They describe what the teacher wants students to achieve as a big picture.
• Learning objectives are the specific steps students need to achieve in order to reach the aim. They should be S.MA.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-relevant)
• Learning Objectives and Learning Aims are like a river: when you reach the end of the river, that’s when you reach the learning aim. But you cannot cross the river without stones; the stones are your learning objectives.
• Without an aim, you will not have objectives, because the objectives work toward the aim.
• Both aims and objectives are important so that students know what they are learning and what is expected from them during the lesson.

2. Example of a Learning Aim and a Learning Objective

–> Lesson: 7th grade Grammar – Past Continuous

• Learning Aim
  Students will be able to demonstrate their ability to use the past continuous tense to describe actions happening at a specific time in the past.
• Learning Objective
  By the end of the lesson, students will be able to create five sentences in the past continuous tense and define the rule by identifying the correct structure (was/were + verb-ing).

[Marwa Ahmed]

As for the explanation it simply proves complete understanding, and your words are clear and to the point.

For the objectives they are accurate, clear and totally bound to time and specific action.

That’s great

[Ahmed Hendi]

Excellent work Ms. Lama. I appreciate you providing the river analogy to explain the relationship between learning aims and specific SMART objectives.

[Manar Abdelsalam]

a. Difference Between Learning Aims and Learning Objectives

• Learning Aims are broad, general intentions of what a course or session is meant to achieve. They set the overall direction.
• Learning Objectives are specific, measurable outcomes that describe what learners will be able to do by the end of the session.

b. Example: Learning Aim with a SMART Learning Objective

Learning Aim:(Related to math subject lesson of equations)

To develop students’ understanding and ability to solve linear equations.

Smart Learning Objective:

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to solve at least five single-variable linear equations (e.g., 2x + 3 = 11) with 90% accuracy, demonstrating their understanding of inverse operations.

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 5 days ago by Manar Abdelsalam.

[Manar Abdelsalam]

This explanation clearly distinguishes between learning aims and objectives. The river and stones analogy is a helpful way to illustrate how objectives guide learners toward the overall aim. The example using grammar is well-designed, with a SMART objective that aligns perfectly with the learning aim. Well done!

[Ahmad Gamal]

This clearly explains the difference between broad learning aims and specific, measurable learning objectives. The math example about solving linear equations effectively shows how a Smart objective breaks down the aim into achievable steps with clear success criteria. Great example!

[Sarah Abdel Moaty]

Clear explanation and a strong SMART objective; adding a time frame would make it even better.

good job

[Ahmed Hendi]

You effectively summarised the difference between learning aims and objectives, and provided excellent examples. Well done!

[Manal Beshay]

I really like your SMART objective – it’s clear and achievable. It also links well to your aim.

[Ahmad Gamal]

a. Difference Between Learning Aims and Learning Objectives

• Learning Aims are broad statements outlining the overall purpose or goal of a lesson or course. They provide general direction but are not directly measurable.
• Learning Objectives are precise, measurable statements that define what students should be able to do after the lesson. They focus on specific, observable outcomes and help assess student progress.

b. Example: Learning Aim and Smart Learning Objective (Functions)

Learning Aim:(Related to math subject lesson of Functions)

To enhance students’ comprehension of functions and their skills in interpreting and expressing them through various formats.

Smart Learning Objective:

By the conclusion of the lesson, students will accurately identify and represent linear functions using tables, graphs, and equations, achieving at least 80% accuracy on a classroom exercise.

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 5 days ago by Ahmad Gamal.

[Ahmed Hendi]

Your submission is to the point, and summarises the content effectively. Nicely done!

[Sarah Abdel Moaty]

The difference between learning aims and learning objectives:
Learning aims give a broad picture of what the teaching intends to achieve. They are general intentions that point to the overall purpose of the lesson or course.
Learning objectives are more specific. They break down the aim into clear, measurable outcomes that show what learners should be able to do by the end. Objectives often use action verbs from Bloom’s Taxonomy so that they can be observed and assessed.

An example of a learning aim and create a SMART learning objective that relates to it:

Learning Aim :To develop students’ understanding and application of algebraic expressions.
SMART Learning Objective :By the end of the lesson, Grade 7 students will be able to simplify at least 8 out of 10 algebraic expressions involving addition, subtraction, and multiplication of like terms within 25 minutes.

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 5 days ago by Sarah Abdel Moaty.

[Sarah Abdel Moaty]

Great explanation! You clearly distinguished aims from objectives, and your functions example is strong and well-connected. The SMART objective is measurable and detailed. One suggestion: add a clear time frame to make it even stronger.

[Ahmed Hendi]

Amazing work! I specifically appreciated you bringing up Blooms Taxonomy verbs and showing how it relates to formulating a SMART objective.

[Manal Beshay]

Great explanation of the difference between aims and objectives. I like how you showed aims and objectives as measurable.

[Manal Beshay]

Difference between Learning Aims and Learning Objectives:

•      Learning aims describe the board purpose or intention of the teaching what the teacher hopes learners will achieve in general terms. They are usually long-term and not directly measurable.
•     Learning Objective, on the other hand , are specific, measurable statements about what the learner will be able to do by the end of the lesson or activity. Objectives break the aim into steps and are often written using Bloom’s taxonomy action verbs.

Examples:

•    Learning Aim: To develop students’ ability to write effective persuasive essays.
•    Smart Learning Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to write 3- paragraph persuasive essay that includes a clear thesis statement, at least two supporting arguments, and appropriate linking words, scoring at least 70% according to the rubric.

 

[Ahmed Hendi]

Your examples clearly illustrate the difference between learning aims and learning objectives. Nicely done!

[Nourhan Mousa]

Difference between learning aims & objectives

• Learning aims: these are generic statements that describe the overall purpose of the lesson.
• Learning objectives: these are more specific and aim at articulating what students/learners will be able to do. These guide the teachers to create a more specific, organized lesson to reach specific outcomes.

Example (Grade 9 World Geography Class):

• Learning Aim:
  • By the end of this lesson/unit, students should:
    • Develop an understanding of the five themes of geography.
    • Recognize the importance of geography as a framework for analyzing the world.
    • Appreciate how geographic perspectives influence their understanding of local and global issues.
• SMART Objectives:
  • By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
    • Define and describe each of the five themes of geography.
    • Apply the five themes of geography to analyze a familiar location.
    • Analyze and compare two different regions.
    • Create a case study presentation of a selected country, incorporating all five themes of geography, supported by maps, visuals, and written explanations, and present their findings to the class.

[Ahmed Hendi]

I really appreciate how you gave more than one example for learning aims/learning objectives and how your objectives tackle different Bloom’s Taxonomy levels. Brilliant work Ms. Nourhan!

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