Plain English Meaning
A specific, written goal that says exactly what a student should be able to do, when, and how well — so both the instructor and the student know what success looks like.
Full Definition
In assessment, an objective is a clear, measurable statement of what the learner must be able to do, under what conditions, and to what standard. It defines the target performance that the assessment is designed to measure.
Context Anchor
Seen in instructor assessments, lesson critiques, stage checks, and feedback after a flight or ground lesson.
Derivation
From Latin 'objectum,' meaning 'something thrown before' the mind — a thing aimed at. In training, it's the target the lesson is aiming at.