Understanding Training Goals: How Do Terminal and Enabling Objectives Shape Success?

Understanding Terminal and Enabling Objectives

Every training program has a terminal objective. What do we want to achieve from the program? It can be equated to the final destination of a trip.

The Role of Enabling Objectives

The terminal performance objective is then analyzed to write enabling or learning objectives. These supporting objectives allow the terminal objective to be broken down into smaller, more manageable objectives. Each enabling learning objective measures an element of the terminal performance objective.

Example of Objectives in a Sales Context

For example, a terminal (performance) objective might teach a salesperson how to sell a product, while enabling (learning) objectives might include:

- Describing the benefits and features
- Overcoming objections that a customer has about the product
- Closing the sale

Incorporating Different Domains in Objectives

While writing objectives, don't focus on the cognitive domain only. Ensure that you include psychomotor and affective objectives too.

In developing a training program, it is essential to establish both terminal and enabling objectives to ensure effective learning outcomes. Here is a practical guide on how to define these objectives:

[B] Terminal Objectives:
1. Identify the ultimate goal of the training program, which is the terminal objective or the final destination of the learning journey.
2. Clearly articulate what you aim to achieve by the end of the training in terms of performance outcomes.
3. Ensure the terminal objective is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

[B] Enabling Objectives:
1. Break down the terminal objective into smaller, achievable steps known as enabling objectives.
2. Each enabling objective should measure an element of the terminal performance objective and contribute to its accomplishment.
3. Include a mix of cognitive, psychomotor, and affective objectives to cover a comprehensive range of learning domains.

[B] Practical Example:
- Terminal Objective: Teach a salesperson how to sell a product effectively.
- Enabling Objectives:
- Describe the benefits and features of the product (cognitive)
- Overcome objections that customers have about the product (affective)
- Close the sale successfully (psychomotor)

By structuring your training program with clear terminal and enabling objectives, you can enhance the effectiveness of the learning experience and ensure that participants achieve the desired outcomes.