Clear goals and objectives are so important. Going over the goals and objectives on the first day of class is like a first impression. Students will know from the first day exactly what to expect from the class. If the goals of the class are not clear, that sets the tone for the whole semester.
Rodney,
The goals and objectives must be clear if the students are going to know how to proceed and be successful in the course. The more concise and clear they are the easier they are for the students to understand.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having clear goals and objectives will help the students learn throughout the course and will help you to help students understand materials that you are presenting.
By developing clear goals and objectives both the student and instructor embark on a journey together for a common destination. True, instructor and student are starting from different points, but the destination is the same, successful completion of the course. With a clear and concise map consiting of clear goals and objectives there is no misunderstanding, underestimation and suprise for either party. The student feels comfortable having a plan and knowing the destination and the instructor has a clear idea on how to get there as proficiently as possible without losing the student along the way.
Clear goals and objectives are necessary when trying to be successful with any task. Students must have a clear road map and direction in order to reach necessary results. This demonstrates lifelong strategies that will not only make your students successful in your class, but overall in their future endeavors.
I agree. Allowing students to "see" and end will help them reach it.
Jeremy,
Classes without direction or goals are really tough on students because they don't know what the outcomes are to be. You make a good point about how instructors need to have and make clear the course goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Our students need clear and concise course goals in order to set thier priorities: study, work, family... knowing when they are able to free up time for life other then class/homework is mandatory. If WE change the routine (due dates, test or quiz days...) it rocks thier world. WE need to be sensitive to this aspect in our planning. Thx. Bruce
This is a good point about goals becoming the organizing point in a students life. When given clear goals, the student can than organize around these goals, applying the their own unique talents and ability to learn the course material. when goals are unclear than the student will tend to drift in their studies, unable to focus on what matters most.
Students need to know what they are going to learn and how to know they have achieved that knowledge. Clear goals and objectives will help them stay on track. It also helps me as an instructor to gauge their performance and mine. I can provide feedback to them on their progress.
You have to have an idea of where you are going in order get there. Just having goals set at the beginning of a course isn't enough. I'm trying to use daily goals and objecives as well as topical ones for them to achieve. I try to make sure everyone comes away from the class feeling a sense of accomplishment. A written goals and objectives for each chapter also gives the students an outline for review.
I agree with what many others have already said. It helps students know what is exprected and also what they will "have" to do to pass a class. Sometimes it is sad that students only do the bare minimum, but at least this way they will have a road map to know how to make it to the end of class and pass with what they feel is acceptable, some students have to have the A others are happy to simply pass with a C.
Kathryn,
Without direction it makes for a long course for both the students and the instructor. No body has any idea of what is going on. Talk about frustration and confusion.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Pauline,
Just as without a map a person doesn't know what route to take and what the destination is the same applies for a course. Clear goals and objectives gets everyone off to a clear and good start and results in more effective learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It sets the standard for not only the students but keeps me focused on the endstate. It also shows organization and a focused pattern for learning.
Otherwise the students do not know what is expected of them. It also gives the instructors a measurable outcome model to determine where their students are in their learning.
It is important to develop and inform students of the course goals and objectives. When students are unsure of the goals and objectives they will not understand what is required of them in the class. Students need to know what is required of them and what they need to do to accomplish it. Without clear goals and objectives, students will not know what is required of them and what they need to do to make it to the end.
Michelle,
They are the road map (GPS) for the course and without them there will be no direction. We have to be clear and concise with our goals and objectives if we expect our students to see what they are to do.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I totally agree clear goals and objectives sets structure in the classroom and throughout the course,defines what the course will cover as well as provides students an outline for what to expect throughout the course.
Clear goals and objectives are very important for studnet organization and learning. Daily and course level goals and objectives, viewed daily, may help students focus their learning, remind them of the results they are trying to obtain, and help faculty re-orient studnets and keep students (and themselves) on track.
