Lisa,
Yes, the students need to know right from the start what the expectations are. This way you can answer any questions they have and get the settled into the course and ready to learn.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
So the students know what to expect of the course. It can put them at ease to know what is expected of them.
It is important to have clear goals and objectives for your course so that your students will have guidelines for their study and mastery of the information in the course. This will help your students to focus on what will be important to gain from the course.
Carole,
They can't end up at a place that they didn't know they were suppose to go to. Clear goals and objectives show the path of learning they are to follow and what they will have once they have completed the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It's important to have clear goals and objectives so the students can be prepared and know what to expect. Additionally, if you have expectations and do not relay those expectations, you are setting the student up for failure.
Jon (Jack),
Yes, they do because if they don't then they won't associate value to the content that is being shared.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jose,
Thank you for making this point because it is a good reminder for all instructor but especially those just beginning. There must be clear goals and objectives to guide the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students need to know in advance what exactly is the purpose of the course. It provides a "big picture" or focus for the student.
As a new instructor, I quickly found out that not having clear objectives for the day, only creates chaos and confusion, and makes me look unorganized and lost.
Yesenia,
Clear goals and objectives are essential if students are going to become engaged in the course and focused on their future. They need to see what the ROI is going to be for them at the end of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having clear goals and objectives help students understand the overall purpose of the course. Students should be informed as to what the class entails and what information they will learn at the end of the course. If a course lacks clear objectives, students may be easily confused and lost.
Steven,
This is such an important point for instructors to get across to their students. Students need to see the outcomes of the course in relation to their personal goals and career plans. When they do their motivation increases.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel that it is essential for a student to know what they are about to learn, how it will help them in their chosen profession as well as how to ask for help needed to understand the material so they can keep pace with the rest of the class. If they don’t understand the goals or objectives they will not know what they are about to learn.
It takes the guess work out of it for both the instructors as well as students. It helps to clarify but also help the student become aware of whats expected and allows them to take control of their attitude and excitement about the course.
I am not sure what you mean by "what" but "why" is relevant to my students. The "why" ties the academics to the real world. In media, expressing yourself clearly is crucial, and having the skills to write your thoughts in not only a clear manner but in a compelling way is the differnce between applying for a job and getting the job.
By developing Clear Goals and Objectives students will know exactly what is expected and the reason why it is expected of them.
Lori,
No idea about destination is an indicator that no plans have been made nor strategies developed. This is true for teaching as well. Good point, thanks for making it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The clear goals and objectives helps both students and faculty in understanding roles and responsibilities during the course as well as the overall big picture of where the course fits into the career/academic planning for the students and curriculum for faculty.
It is always important to know where you are....as well as where you are going in a course... Without goals and objectives it is easy to get side tracked on other things.
Is it important to set goals in order for you to track the progress of your students.
