The student get a sense of the day's objectives and by seeing these at the beginning of class time they get themselves excited for the topics that will be discussed through out the class time.
I am a firm believer in delivering my expectations and the course learning objectives on day one. After which every day we can focus on those objectives based on the information I provided on day one. The students now have a firm understanding of what they are facing and are better prepared daily to be successful.
Objectives are extremely important as it gives both the students and the instructor a goal to reach for set at a specific standard. If they are clearly stated, then there is a great satisfaction for everyone when they have been achieved.
The objectives of the course need to be concise, detailed,and mesaurable so that he students will understand what the goal of the class will be.
By understanding what they will know by the time the class is done, is similar to a self fulfilling prophecy. Their succes rate will be better becasue their mind will be focused on it.
Learning objectives are expectations- both for the student and for the instructor. Students can expect to learn those specified objectives, and, if not met- the instructor would be at fault for not delivering. Likewise, the learning objectives are a great starting point for testing the students- to make sure they are delivering as well.
Constructing clear learning objectives demonstrates the organization of the instructor's thoughts and comunicates to the students what they can expect to learn in the coming course. A well constructed set of objectives should create flow between the naturally occuring divisions in the material, and provide a cohesive order to the lessons. This material needs to be reviewed and, if necessary, updated regularly.
By creating solid, measurable objectives, both the student and instructor will be on the same page.
Learning Objectives are the basis for a particular course.
If you don't have a road map (or GPS) you are apt to get lost.
This helps to clarify content and expectations. The students need a clear picture of what they are to learn from you. Without this, you will lose students through misunderstanding what they are to accomplish.
Earnest J. Kendall, MSN, RN-BC
Anthony,
In addition, students will not be able to create perceptions in believing that one instructor is "easier" than another. They will know that similar expectations will be required in each section of the course.
Tremayne Simpson
I think this is a great idea that I have not thought about before. I will definitely consider using it in my upcoming classes from now on.
Objectives help organize the learning goals for the course. They help the instructor and the student break down the "tasks" of the course in to manageable and obtainable segments. It can be that daily outline of what you need to accomplish in order to reach the end result of reaching the class standards and passing the course.
This is so true. If each instructor undertands and knows what is being taught in each class and what is covered, it will be much more easier to be consistent in what is relayed to our students.
the traditional classroom agenda went the way of the dinosaur. I would never, in 2012, post on the board the daily schedule. students expect more...esp. with todays technology.
I use learning objectives in two different ways. first I utilize them on day one to present what our end goalis for learning in the class. Then i have learning objectives for each individual day. I find that I use them just as much as the students. It is a great way to present what is to be learned at the beginning of class and a great chance to re-hash what has been learned at the end of class.
Learning how to construct learning objectives is important because it is the foundation of your class. Without an objective your plan does not have a goal and students will now understand the relevance of the lesson making their learning difficult.
Having a learning objective gives not only the student a look to thier little successes which builds to becoming larger sucesses, it also gives the instructor the opportunity to benefit from seeing how the learning objective is successful and helping the students.
If the student understands what they need to know and why they need to know it they are more likely to be able to apply that knowledge and make it their own.
If I am teaching a student just a set of skills they may learn it but it will nto be important to them. If I teach them a set of skills and tell them that these skills may not seem important today but if you know them when you use them next week they will help you to perform this advanced skill so much better and your future employers will see you as an advanced employee rather than an entry level employee. They now have a really excellent reason for learning and they see how they will get to use it in daily life.
jesse,
What is the desired field of employment for your students?
Tremayne Simpson
I teach a course that leads to employment in a field that requires a state license and national certification. My course objective must be aimed at giving the student the knowledge and skills to meet those requirements.
