What term describes the educational goal a teacher aims for students to achieve by the end of a lesson?

The term that describes the educational goal a teacher aims for students to achieve by the end of a lesson is best defined as an instructional objective. Instructional objectives specify what students should know or be able to do after a particular lesson or unit of study. These objectives guide the planning of lessons and activities, ensuring that both teaching strategies and assessments align with the desired outcomes for student learning.

Instructional objectives are often measurable and clearly articulated, making it easier for educators to assess whether students have achieved the expected knowledge or skills by the end of the lesson. They serve as a roadmap for both teachers and students, delineating the expected results of instruction.

In contrast, learning outcomes refer more broadly to what students are expected to know or demonstrate at the end of an entire course or educational program, while assessment criteria focus on the specific standards used to evaluate student performance. Curriculum standards provide overarching guidelines for what should be taught at various educational levels but do not define specific lesson goals.