An exploratory study of student pharmacists’ perceived value of specific and general learning objectives

ObjectiveAlthough experts in higher education recommend use of specific, measurable objectives, little is known about students’ perception of their value. The aim of this pilot study is to determine whether student pharmacists prefer to use general or specific learning objectives for exam preparation.MethodsAfter receiving general and specific sets of objectives for a therapeutics lecture, students were given a pre-assessment questionnaire to assess preferences, and post-assessment questionnaire designed to elicit information regarding which objectives they used and whether they found them useful. Secondary outcomes included examining the difference in exam scores when students use specific vs. general objectives.ResultsIn the pre-test questionnaire, over 75% of students who were surveyed believed it important to use detailed learning objectives prior to preparation of lecture and examinations. Data from the post-test questionnaire revealed that two-thirds of students found more value in the specific vs. general objectives.ConclusionsOur pilot study reveals that students value the use of specific learning objectives, particularly when related to broader outcomes. Academicians should consider aligning specific learning objectives into over-arching goals in lesson and exam preparation.