Cognitive objectives are statements of student outcomes in a lesson or unit which pertain to the aquisition of knowledge and the ability to interpret that knowledge.  Well written cognitive objectives explain what cognitive accomplishments students will demonstrate as the result of the lesson or unit.  Cognitive objectives may include rules, skills, strategies and concepts.  They also imply assessment - the teacher needs to write objectives so that the student cognitive outcome is clearly stated and is observable or measureable by the teacher, student and/or other students.  Cognitive objectives will refer to an observable understanding of skills (see 1., below), rules (see 2., below), strategy or concepts (see 3., below).

Cognitive objectives (soccer, grade 8):

1.  Students will describe how to perform a push pass with a moving ball and proper plant and instep contact (NJCCC Standard 2.5.B4)*

2.  Students will explain the offside rule. (NJCCC Standard 2.5.D2)**

3.  Students will identify to which health fitness components soccer contributes and explain why (NJCCC Standard 2.6.A1)***

Cognitive objectives (manipulatives/kicking, grade 4):

1.  Students will describe how to perform an effective instep kick (NJCCC Standard 2.5.B1)†

2.  Students will explain how balance and stability affects receiving and kicking a ball effectively. (NJCCC Standard 2.5.B2)††

      **  Employ general- and activity-specific rules and analyze their impact on participation.

    ***  Discuss the physical and psychological benefits derived from health-related fitness
            activities.

          †  Discuss the importance of proper body mechanics when performing movement skills.

      ††  Discuss ways to refine and increase control when performing movement skills.