Clear goals and objectives are very important to the learning process. The remarks made so far are good reasons for the development of clear goals and objectives. Having clear goals and objectives assist both the instructors and the students. On the instructor side, it enables effective measurement of student achievement - detailed goals and objectives make it easier to determine whether or not the student has actually met the objective. On the student side, unclear goals and objectives make it difficult to be successful. It is like shooting in the dark. It is difficult, if not impossible, to hit the target. Clear goals and objectives 'turn-on-the-light,' establishing clear sight to the target.
It is important to have clear goals and objectives because clarity helps the students understand with no ambiguity what they need to do to be successful in class. This understanding in turn eases the student anxiety about the course, which aids them in settling in the class more quickly.
It is important to have clear goals and objectives for your course, is to keep the students focus and on the right track, to give the students a path of learning, to reach all types of learners. Its also important to go back and review the objectives with the students to get confirmation of coverage and understanding.
Hi Randall,
You make a good point about making sure to cover everything so the students can do what they need to do in the lab. It is a point of accountability for everyone.
Gary
I find it specifically important to cover every detail about a certain lab, and its objectives. With 30 students in a class, all out in the lab doins an assigment it can be pretty hectic trying to make the rounds with explanations for something I forgot to cover before the lab
Hi Jerry,
This is a good point about sharing expectations with student right from the beginning. This approach reduces their concerns and frustrations while helping them get settled into the course and planning out how they will meet the assignment deadlines.
Gary
I like to let the students know what I expect from them up front and what the course will demand. Once they know what to expect they can envision themselves doing it. I simply help make learning whats needed easier for the student by answering questions and giving them demonstrations on techniques. I also give them plentyof practice time to develope skills needed for their chosen field.
Students need to know what is expected of them.
This is most challenging perhaps when they're at the very beginning of a program. I sometimes wonder if giving them a short quiz on the the goals and objectives for my 6 week course would be useful for both them and me.
It is essential to have clear goals and objectives in order for your students to be successful in the learning process.
Having clear goals and objectives helps guide your teaching. This allows both the instructor and students to know exactly what needs to be taught and what needs to be learned. Without clear goals and objectives, subject areas may be overlooked and the students may not learn what is expected of them. The goals and objectives will guide the instructor on a path making sure the intended subject matter has been taught. This also keeps the class from straying to other areas unnecessarily. There are some students who like to distract the instructor with off-topic questions in hopes of not having to work on the intended subject. Having clear goals and objectives will keep the instructor focused rather than being distracted by this type of student.
Hi Dianne,
Good approach. This makes the content relevant for the students and they can make application to their careers.
Gary
I teach Surgical Technology. The students need to know their ultimate goal (assisting the surgeon during a surgical procedure in the operating room)and how they will get there through learning the material presented in my class. This sets a foundation for the material presented and engages the student in the learning process because they see the "why" in what they are learning.
If one does not a basic set of goals, then chaos will prevail.
Hi Dreena,
I really appreciate your kind words about the course and my feedback. I wish you continued teaching success. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Dear Dr Meers. Ty for your kind words. I put many of the concepts into practice for the first day of class last night. I think once I get my new first day format down it will flow much better. I worked much harder at seeing "me"from the students perspective. I do not know when I would want to see myself on film. May make me want to retire again. LOL Have a great day and thanks again for all the information. DA
Hi Dreena,
Great to hear! This is what instructional planning and development is all about. Yours is a success story for both your students and yourself. You are going to continue to have a great teaching career as a result of the effort your are putting into your curriculum organization.
Gary
So that the students have a good idea of what will be covered in the course and they can plan their studying accordingly. They will have a better understanding of what the instructor expects them to learn in the course.
The course I teach is a microbiology class. The students must pass a registry exam. Also important is working knowledge. The registry is broad and detailed while the common lab duties can be tedious and narrow. I enjoy the challenge of teaching a balance. This can be tricky.
When I took over the course that I am currently teaching, the previous instructor did not have any form of organization. The first thing I had to do was define goals & objectives for myself to meet in how to organize and instruct the course. Then I revamped all the days of the course with clear goals & objectives for myself & the students. I found that I was nervous at first with the new format, but now I am learning how to challenge the students in a wonderfuly constructive ways. DA
That way students will know what to expect in the course.
