For each learning objective you write, make sure it answers the following four questions: 1. What date will it be completed? 2. What is the task to be accomplished? 3. How will it be accomplished? How will it be measured/evaluated and by whom? Learning objective - Bad Form: "I will learn to use the phonetic alphabet." Learning Objective - Good Form: "By March 15, I will be able to use the phonetic alphabet when giving information on the phone. To achieve this goal, I will memorize the phonetic alphabet, practice spelling different words and use whenever possible, both in the workplace and at home. I will assess my success by requesting feedback from a co-worker and by personal measurement of my comfort level when using." Learning Objectives fall into two main categories: Personal - include the developing or improving interpersonal, communication or other social skills that allow you to work more effectively. For example: "By the end of my work term (when), I will develop better listening skills (what) by practicing reflective questioning techniques when completing a telephone reservation (how accomplished). I will evaluate my success by paraphrasing the caller's comments and asking the caller to confirm my understanding (how measured)." Professional - includes objectives aimed at practicing or improving a skill, learning a new task, solving a specific problem that would enable you to improve you work performance. For example: "By February 1st (when) I will give a 10-minute tour of the museum (what). I will follow the guidelines outlined in the manual for tour guides (how accomplished) and I will ask two participants to evaluate the tour for clarity, style and message (how measured)." Some of the various topics that learning objectives may cover include: