Learning objectives describe what students should know or be able to do after completing a course, module, or learning activity. They should be specific and measurable so that student achievement can be demonstrated and assessed.
Bloom's Taxonomy can help identify action verbs that reflect different levels of learning, from remembering and understanding to applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating.
For example:
Instead of: Understand principles of effective communication.
Consider: Apply principles of effective communication to a patient interaction.
The verb apply describes an observable action and provides clearer direction for determining how students will practice and demonstrate their learning.