If you do not have a target what are you aiming at? Students need to know why, what , and where. Clear Goals and Objectives give them that target.
I am pretty sure that this is one of the more difficult issues facing old timers like me. Teaching used to be just teaching the material without thinking about a specific goal and objective. Learning the material was the goal. This has opened my mind to a whole new world of pedagogy; just thinking about what the material can achieve for the student helps put me in his/her shoes and helps me to make my chats/lectures more informative and interesting.
The reason why it is important to have clear goals and objectives is that it helps the student know where they are going and to understand the steps they are following to get to the desired end result of having the skills and knowledge needed for success.
It is important for both myself and for my students. It helps keep me focused and on the appropriate subjects. It also helps me in my assessment of learning because I have clear guidelines of what was to be accomplished in the class. It helps the students understand what they are supposed to be learning and can help them also keep focused. It can aid them in knowing whether or not they may need some extra help in a particular area. Clear goals and objectives really are essential for a successful class.
Hi Cheryl,
The value of clear communicated is evidenced by students understanding the expectations, requirements and polices of the course. With a well prepared syllabus this information can be shared and everyone is then on the same page.
Gary
Cheryl
Wow... I would like to get a copy of that... is it possible?
I had a college professor that gave us a 70 page syllabus every term. In this syllabus it gave every homework assignment for the term. It stated very clearly what the goal and objectives were and when each assignment was due. This made it easier for the commuting student to budget their free time accordingly.
It provides a concise direction of what is expected. There is less chance of confusion and it leads to a greater chance of success.
I agree. Specifically with the "markers" for accomplishment. The students want to be led and know what is expected of them. With clear goals; students find that job easier.
Without signposts along the way and a destination, you will never know if you are on the right path or even if you have arrived! Goals and objectives provide that direction.
Guessing takes energy away from the student's focus. It can also create an uncomfortable learning environment. Clear goals and objectives make things easier for both teachers and students.
Yes, this is the guidepost for all students and the instructor so that an agreement is concisely made for when the goal for the end of the course is reached. The evaluative criteria should reflect the learning objectives of the course.
I like your comment about establishing meaning in a course. Students hate to waste time and need to know the relevance of the materials to their lives (or at least their life in school).
Clear goals let the student and the instructor know where the course is going, how to get there, and both know when they have reached the desired outcome. This will save lots of time and energy in class spent sorting out confusion and questions.
Without a goal you have no purpose and no direction. Thus, no objectives can be made. Establishing a goal is like building the foundation of a structure. A well established goal will provide a direction for developing the syllabus.
Walt Clement
Hi Lawrence,
Right you are. Make it clear and plain from the very beginning. This way the students can concentrate on meeting the expectations or the course rather than wondering what they are.
Gary
Class time is limited and so are the students attention spans. Goals and objectives allow the instructor and student to stay focused. I always tell my students "there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is not a train". These items are so important because it gives the course meaning as well as the program the student is in. There is a since of accomplishment among everyone in the class evertime a goal is completed.
I recall classes I've had previously where the material presented was only partially related to the overall core of the course. I felt lost, confused, and the sense that my time could have probably been better spent in a different class. Clear goals and objectives gives your students the ability to gauge their levels of understanding while providing them with "markers" for accomplishment.
Students should have NO question in their minds by the end of the first class session what is to be expected of them as far as objectives, goals (both during the term and required for graduation) as well as behavior policies.
Clear goals and objectives will help to get clear and concise course content to the students and ensure that all important materials are covered.
