ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge Practice Exam

Which of the following verbs indicates a behavioral objective?

1. Understand.

2. Comprehend.

3. Describe.

4. Know.

The correct answer is: Describe.

Behavioral objectives are specific statements that articulate the observable behaviors students should demonstrate following instruction. These objectives help educators evaluate student learning and determine whether students have effectively grasped the material. The verb "describe" is aligned with behavioral objectives because it requires a student to articulate information or knowledge in their own words, showcasing an observable action. This verb indicates that the student must provide a detailed account or explanation, which can be assessed by the educator. For example, a student may be asked to describe the process of photosynthesis, which allows the teacher to observe and assess the student’s understanding through their verbal or written output. In contrast, the other verbs—"understand," "comprehend," and "know"—are less effective for writing behavioral objectives. They represent internal cognitive processes that cannot be directly observed or measured. While these terms indicate that a student has attained some level of knowledge, they do not specify an action that can be directly assessed, making them unsuitable as indicators of observable behavior in a classroom setting. Thus, “describe” stands out as the most appropriate choice for indicating a behavioral objective.