What does the term 'learning objectives' refer to in an educational context?

In an educational context, 'learning objectives' are defined as the specific desired outcomes that students should achieve by the end of a lesson or instructional unit. These objectives provide clear expectations for what learners should know or be able to do after engaging with the material. They serve as a guiding framework for both instructors to plan their lessons and for students to understand what is expected of them. Setting clear learning objectives helps ensure that instruction is focused and aligned with educational standards, enabling learners to measure their progress and understand their learning path.

The other terms referenced in the options relate to different aspects of the teaching and learning process. Methods of assessment measure student performance against the objectives but do not define what those objectives are. Curriculum resources are materials needed for effective teaching, and instructional strategies are the techniques teachers use to facilitate learning, neither of which captures the essence of setting specific expected outcomes for students that learning objectives do.