You must understand what the objectives are in order to prepare the instruction. It is important to look at the end goal of what you want your students to achieve. You then work backwards to each module to prepare students with small learning objectives that will add up to the overall end goal.
It is important so that the students can have an idea of what they will be learning. It can also be helpful in keeping the students engaged in the class as well as keeping the instructor on track
joel,
I agree. I created an assignment (for my college success course) that enable the students to summarize the importance for each of the learning objectives of the course. The assignment was not created to be "busy" work, however I wanted the students to have a full understanding of the importance of each objective, therefore I felt that it was important for them to make a summary "in their own words".
Tremayne Simpson
It is certainly important for everyone to munderstand the expectations of the course
what outcomes do we expect and do the student's expect
Learning how to construct learning objectives in an important part of instructional planning for both the student and the teacher. It helps students understand their class goals and keeps teachers focused on their priorities.
Amos ,
At your institution, are instructors provided with the authority to create the learning objectives for their courses or are they determined by Administration?
Tremayne Simpson
Learning how to construct a well written learining objecitive is important because it directs the instructor toward breaching the goal set for the course. It help by braking down the material, information and skills of what the student will learn, know and be able to deminstrate after the course is complete. With a well written learning objectives,it help you will maintain order and structure, but at the same time being flexible in making sure the the student are able the use the imformation they are leaning.
It is imperative to ensure it aligns with the overall course objectives and long term course outcome for the student.
It lets the students know what we eill be covering and what is to be learned
Learning objectives help students know what is expected of them. They have a clearer idea of what they should be able to know, understand, and apply after a lesson is completed.
It's important because it gives the students an idea of what they will be learning on that day.They see goals that are set and how your helping them to reach them one step at a time.
I agree that students want to "buy-in" to how they are going to spend their time. Time is very valuable to them and giving them objectives will help them to be prepared to engage in the topic. I will begin to list them in my syllabus as a result of taking this course.
Delmar,
Excellent analogy! I completely agree...learning objectives are created in a "prescriptive-format", in that they are specifically tailored to the necessary subject-knowledge for the student.
Tremayne Simpson
Think of it like shooting a gun. If you use a shoot gun you'll be hitting the students with all kinds of little bits of information. The problem with this is all the information will only sink in a little.
When a lesson plan is created the right way it's like shooting a rifle. The information will be pinpointed and will penetrate deep into the students mind.
The objectives are very important to developing the lesson plan because they focus the instructor and give the instructor a tool for measuring an individuals success.
Paul,
Excellent point. I believe that learning objectives should be constructed with a cohort of the instructors that teach the course, so that they are able to brainstorm and discuss reasoning, with their peers. Hearing multiple perspectives regarding the subject, can also impact subject-matter knowledge, amongst the cohort.
Tremayne Simpson
TIMOTHY,
I agree. It is also important that instructional planning is based on the provided learning objectives. Lesson plans should not be developed, without a thorough review of the course learning objectives, in order to ensure that the class is aligned properly with the desired outcomes.
Tremayne Simpson
To set Standards, Satisfy Administration and acrediting agencies and act as a guide for the instructor
constructig learning objectives will raise the gaps in an instructors base of knowledge by showing things not considered by the instructor, such as , "I thought I knew this subject , but perhaps I really didn't consider that topic completely"
Concise and specific objectives is the foundation to good instructional planning. Learning objectives set the pathway to meeting standards of the career field, not unlike providing the picture of the content and skills a student must achieve to meet those standards. Hence, learning objectives are important to instuctional planning.
