Dixie,
This is an excellent summary of the importance of learning objectives. In addition, learning objectives can assist an instructor with creating the appropriate assessment tool(s) for the course. I always make sure that my exams, projects and assignments are aligned with the goals of the learning objectives. If I did not do this, I could not assume that I am assessing my students correctly.
Tremayne Simpson
I agree folowing somebody elses objectives doesnt always work i always state ojectives and adjust class accordingly to a level of how students grasp the objectives.
Establishing clear learning objectives serve the following purposes:
1. Help the instructor choose appropriate activities to further the learning.
2. Keep the instructor from wandering afield following personal interests.
3. Give an overall coherence to a course.
4. Give students a sense of where we're going and why.
5. Increases student buy-in to the value of the course.
Generally, when students understand the underlying purpose of a class activity or assignment, the results are much more on target. It also releases their creativity; when they want to push the limits of an assignment, if they can demonstrate that their approach will accomplish the objective of the assignment, they can have at it!
Anthony,
Good observation...students are always thinking of the "what's in it for me concept", in that they are actively engaged in courses that are aligned with their career paths. Even when it is difficult to directly apply a course objective (to a desired career outcome), instructors should be creative and discuss the relevance to their students.
Tremayne Simpson
Understanding the Learning Objectives helps to keep the instructional information aligned with the goals and expectations that students need to be successful in the work envirnment. The objectives should answer why the students are learning what they are being taught.
carolyn,
I also try to anticipate my students' reactions, by writing in potential questions (into the lesson plan) at key times, during the lecture.
Tremayne Simpson
It helps me plan how my students will/should react to the lesson plan.
Warren,
Are you given opportunities to create or revise course learning objectives at your institution?
Tremayne Simpson
Learning how to construct learning objectives will help me insure that I cover all the relevent material in an organized manor that will heop my student meet the learning objectives.
Geneva-Marie,
Great observation. By knowing what they are expected to learn...students can create a mental checklist, in order to track the newly, acquired skills that they receive from the class.
Tremayne Simpson
Not only does it provide a specified guidleine so that the instructor can ensure that they have covered the intended material...it also helps students know ahead of time what is expected of them and what they can expect to learn.
Carlos,
Excellent point. It is also important that instructors periodically review the learning objectives that are set for the class, to make sure that they are updated to meet the needs of the designated industry. Suggestions for learning objective changes can be provided to administration for possible revision.
Tremayne Simpson
Mary ,
This is a great observation. As I mentioned earlier in the post, it is important that students can visualize the alignment of objectives, in relation to their desired career path.
Tremayne Simpson
It focuses on what is necessary and pertinent for the students success in their attainment of knowledge and skills for their chosen field.
Learning objectives should allow the student to see what information will be given and how it ultimately relates to their future in their field of choice.
Learning objectives or course outcomes is necessary to give the lesson and assessment benchmark. This will prevent random lesson plan and delivery.
Without having learning objectives you have no course. Objectives are the reason why you have this course and what will be accomplished by both the instructor and student.
Henry,
It is also a great idea to add the corresponding learning objective, into each individual, assignment guideline. This will enable the students to see how the assignments are aligned with the overall objectives of the course.
Tremayne Simpson
When the objectives are clearly listed the students will know what is expected of them throuout the course. The objectives are placeed on the board for evey class I teach so they can be prepared for the material.
Students can measure their progress during the course if the learning objectives are introduced and explained before each lesson.
