Both students and instructors need a very clear idea of the expected outcomes for the course, and how they will achieve those outcomes. To be an effective teacher, I, as an instructor need to know exactly what I will be presenting, why I am presenting it and how I will present it. Students will be more sure of themselves if they know why they are studying certain topics and how doing so will move them closer to the desired course outcomes. It increases students' confidence making for a more effective learning environment.
When the goals and objectives are clear, students know what is expected of them, and can develop their own strategy for meeting them. It gives them control over their own learning. Its empowering.
it is important to have clearly defined goals and objectives for each course to make certain that, as an instructor, one is on task, and that students' work leads up to satisfying specific terminal course objectives...
I find it helpful to have clear goals and objectives in mind when I design courses - makes it easier for me to develop specific assignments that I can be certain will provide my students with appropriate learning opportunities...
Well quite simply without them, you would be floundering all over the place, with no direction, or continuity, your students would be confused, frustrated, not knowing where they are headed, and the bottom line would be very little learning going on. Most students I believe want a clear set of objectives, and directions for a class, and get rather anxious without them.
Goals are the foundation to your course. It gives the course a general direction. Goals are broader than objectives. Objectives are specific and indicate what a student should be able to do after completing the course. These are essential in basic planning of a well-developed course.
In order to command respect and confidence, but most importantly to make good use of your time, in order to cover the necessary amount of information.
Clear goals and objectives have helped to keep me on track as well as my students. Also, if I am not getting through to the students on a particular topic, I re-read what I am trying to convey through a goal or objective and think of another way to approach the topic.
so students know what is expected of them and know what they are expected to get out of the course
I believe this is not only the case for a course, but also for each assignment or subsection. The parts should add up to the whole.
If you don't then you have no way of knowing what to teach and the students dont have any idea what will be taught and what is expected of them.
Russell,
Yes, clear and concise goals are needed to help the instructor establish these goals.
Keisha,
I too try to establish goals for my students to help them understand what is offered in the course they are in. Breaking the objectives into smaller pieces is helpful so they are able to see what the information will be about and how to relate it. The goals help them into the next level of learning hopefully helping them to communicate.
be carefully of planning your Goals, write down the plan before starting ask important question from someone that you trust to give good information, and learn better of how to apply your objectives.
Clearly defined goals and objectives serve to support the student and enhance learning. Establishing smaller objectives and attainable "baby steps" reinforces success and motivates the student to progress through the course.
It is important to have clear goals and objectives for both the students and the instructor. It provides the students with a solid outline of what is expected of them and what they should focus on and it helps eliminate a lot of repetitive questions for the instructor.
Just as the course outline is a roadmap to you it is also a roadmap to the students and the organization that you teach for. Objective tell all concerned what skills or knowledge the students will gain as a result of attending your class. Additionally, goals serve to motivatate students to reach for the prized information or skill.
It is important to have clear goals and objectives so that the student know what the expectation of the learning experience is supposed to be.
Difficulities arise when there is no clear goal or objective for learning, students can develop a good focus for learning and studying.
In my experience it is extremely important that students understand what the objectives of the course is. By having clear objectives and goals in place, it is easier for the students to understand what is expected of them. Having clear clear and concise goals and objectives allows the students to clearly understand what they should learn and be able to do when they leave the course.
Clearly stated goals eradicate misunderstandings between instructor and student. The goals let the student know the instructor is serious about the topic being taught. The goals are a commitment - a contract between intructor and student.
So the students can see what they are going to be doing and will be able to do at the end of the course. So it isn't a suprise.
