To focus on the take away and relativity of the course content.
Clear goals and objectives give students a blue print of where the course is going. It spells out what will be learned and prepares students for their learning experience for the particular course.
Hi Henry,
I'm not following exactly what you are talking about in terms of the course content being boring so if you can give me a little more information I will be glad to help. Are you able to use learning groups, special assignments, case studies or anything along this line to help the students to see relevancy and application to what they are learning.
What is the subject area you are teaching?
Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
One of the topics I teach is boring to say the least. While I have clearly defined goals, to me it appears that the class was put together due to some of the chapters being left out of other classes. I bring in other information and try to be enthuasiastic about the subject, but the students soon realize this also. I sometimes feel guilty about bringing in additional "busy work", especially for evening students. I am working with another instructor to change the current format and content, but in the meantime, can you suggest anything?
Clear goals leaves very little room for questions
Hi Veronica,
Good plan. These individuals are a great resource. I still observe and talk with other instructors to gain as much insight from them as I can.
Gary
When preparing to teach a new class, I often look to an instructor that has taught the course. They have been able to help me develope clear goals and objectives by just sharing their experiences teaching the course.
It gives students an idea of what is expected of them and what to expect.
Hi Veronica,
Right you are. We share them with the students to give them a general idea of where the class is going to go but it does come back to how the instructor uses the goals and objectives to guide the class.
Gary
The Goals and Objectives are for the instructor as well as the class. If I were to be totally honest, as a college student I never paid much attention to the goals and objectives. However, as an instructor, the goals and objectives guide my lectures as well as my learning activities within the classroom.
Hi Michelle,
Good statement and one that students need to understand. They have to put forth the effort if they are going to get a return of value to them. This is the ROI they are seeking.
Gary
Objectives are the mastery of the content expected of the student. Goals are what the instructor expects of herself and the passing assessment of each student. The bigger picture of education, is what are you going to do with this knowledge afterwards? How and when will you begin applying your knowledge and skills?
A clear goal and objectives will help students to to set a plan of what they need to do in order to accomplesh their short goal, and what they are expected to do
I really agree with the fact "if the student follows what is mapped out for them", sometimes students feel as though certain guidelines do not apply, for whatever reasons. I believe whole heartly; whatever you put into something is what you get out of it.
Hi Jorge,
Right you are. In addition, without clear goals and objectives the instructor is open to be challenged about assignments, grades, and other aspects of the course.
Gary
having clear goals helps the students stay close to the learning objcetives of the course. If the objectives are not clear there is room for interpretation that may lead away from the course objectives.
Goals and objectives create the foundation for lesson plans. If they are written well, an instructor will have an effective and meaningful structure for discussion, activities, and assessment. Goals and objectives serve as a reminder that teaching is not an end in itself, but the means to an end.
Developing clear goals and objectives is important because:
Developing clear goals enable students to understand in which direction they'll be going and developing clear objectives enable them to understand how to get to, what steps they should take to complete the course successfully.
Hi Richard,
Well put. This is the foundation upon which a successful course is going to be built. Without clear communication it is going to be a struggle for everyone for the duration.
Gary
The importance of communication can not be understated by any means. The communication of the Goals and Objectives of the course sets the tone from day 1 till the end. As well, it sets the methods by which we establish the level of expectation and again is the "Holy Grail" if you will to setting the stage for the way the course will flow.
