Mager (1997) identifies three components of an effective objective:

1. Performance

Performance is defined as a description of the expected behavior from the learner. It should be both measurable and observable and answers the question, "What will the learner be DOING when demonstrating achievement of the objective?"

Example of a performance may be:

• The student will be able to write a literature review
• The student will be able to create a multimedia tutorial

2. Conditions

A condition is a description of the circumstances in which the task will be performed. It may also include a description of the available resources and tool for learners to complete the desired behavior.

Example of a condition may be:

• Given a fully-functioning video camera
• In the presence of an irate supervisor.

An example of an objective with a performance and conditions is:

• Given a bicycle and a flat street, the student will be able to ride the bike to the end and back. (The conditions that will influence the performance are the bike and the flat street.).
• Given screen capturing software, the student will be able to create a 10 minute multimedia tutorial. (The condition that will influence the performance is the software. ).

3. Criterion

Criterion refers to a description of the criteria that indicates mastery of the objective. It is the part of the objective that describes the desired or appropriate level of performance.

For example:

• Students will write an APA style literature re view. It should have no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.

Criterion may also be defined in terms of speed or accuracy. For example:

• Students will complete a math times table quiz within 10 minutes or with 75% accuracy.