Plain English Meaning

Built around what the student can actually do, not just what they know. Success is measured by watching them perform a task to a set standard, not by asking them to describe it.

Full Definition

Describing training objectives, standards, or assessments that are stated in terms of observable, measurable actions a learner must perform, rather than what they should know, understand, or feel. A performance-based objective specifies the task to be done, the conditions under which it is done, and the standard to which it must be done.

Context Anchor

Seen in aviation training objectives, lesson plans, and standards, where an instructor states what the learner must be able to demonstrate.

Derivation

Performance comes from the Old French parfornir, meaning to carry out or complete. A performance-based standard is one judged by carrying the task out, not by talking about it.