Integrating learning by objectives with relevance to the health needs of the community

This report is directed towards teachers of health personnel interested in the concept of 'learning by objectives'. It is designed to promote an understanding of the appropriate use of this concept, by examining its historical evolution in the light of 30 years' experience of its use. The text describes the way in which it has been used, and misused, in the past. The text will also be of particular interest to students, since it demonstrates how they can be involved in the organization of their own learning. It is hoped that this review will help both teachers and learners to clarify their thoughts on the application of the concept of learning by objectives, making their teaching and their learning more effective and relevant to health care for the community. This concern for relevance is directly in line with the strategies of the World Health Organization for the achievement of health for all.