Don't underestimate the power of learning objectives!
When I started out teaching I was hesitant to incorporate listed learning objectives in the course because as a student myself I often look over the learning objectives and skip to course content. But as I have been teaching for over a year now I see how learning objectives are very beneficial. If learning objectives are clearly posted, easy to understand and are relevant to the students' success in their field they can have a major impact on students' success and memory retention. I am constantly directing my students back to our learning objectives while they are doing activities in lab and in class as it helps them make connections and see that what they are doing will help them be more successful.
Well written objectives can be used well after the specific class is taught by both the student and the instructor to measure progress.
The textbook provided for each module which I teach opens with learning objectives for that topic. I discuss the objectives at the beginning of the lecture, soliciting student input on each. This often starts a series of comments and questions which gives me a quick snapshot of what they already know about the subject. The last objective on each list is "Demonstrate ability to follow written directions". By the end of the program it becomes a running joke. When students have problems in the lab the solution is usually to bring them back to that objective. What is initially regarded as insultingly obvious (duh!) ultimately reveals itself as obviously crucial.
I agree, learning objectives give the students an overview on what's in store and help instructors keep in track.
Cheryl,
I agree. Finding the student's motivational "carrot" will assist an instructor in making the learning "intrinsic" for them. Once the students are intrinsically motivated, instructors typically see a better quality of work and participation in the course.
Tremayne Simpson
I agree. I often work with students who are coming to me because of issues that have not been resolved in class. At times, they are trivial. I will ask them to remember why they decided to pursue their education and it gets them back on track.
Timothy,
In the "unit" structure, related sets of chapters are combined and presented as a "whole". This is an effective time management strategy, that enables an instructor to present a multitude of content, at once. For example, in my Interpersonal Communications course, I would present a unit on "communicative styles", in the lecture I would discuss intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, mediated and public communication. Generally, all topics would require an individual lecture, however as a "unit", I can discuss the relationships and "highlight" the most important material (in reference to the learning objectives).
Tremayne Simpson
Can you tell us more about "unit" structure in implimenting learning objectives?
I have always prepared learning objectives for my classes but have hesitated to make them too detailed. I find that each class is different and some groups of students take longer than others to grasp the content or acquire the skills needed. I adjust my class content to meet the needs of the students as the class evolves and worry that if all the stated objectives have not been accomplished in the class time the students may feel that either they or the instructor has not met the required goal.
Objectives are essential and they do need to be revisited throughout the course. I will usually write objectives on the board and then specify the tasks that need to be completed to acheive the objectives listed.
I can say that learning objectives have been useful to me in teaching IT courses related to professional certifications because the learning objectives can be connected directly to the requirements for the certifications themselves.
This makes the learning objectives easier to "sell" to adult students.
Ann,
I agree. I found that it was an effective effort to divide my course content into "units", instead of just focusing on individual topics. By using a "unit" structure, an instructor can identify key goals of topical coverage, which may have a positive effect on a student's ability to retain information.
Tremayne Simpson
I agree with these posts that it's easy to slip over the learning objectives, especially when you have a lot of material to cover. I think my discipline from this module will grow to seeing the forest instead of focusing on all the trees!
I can break down extensive material and fit it to broad categories within the learning objectives, and that will make it less confusing for students as to "what are we doing next?" and "how does this all fit together,"and the typical thought, "what's in this for me?" Also I try to work under each objective with a statement of "how will I teach this" and "how will I assess student learning value" and that forces me to create more activities and use more resources.
Richard,
Asking the students "why they are here?", is a great question to ask when their is a perception that there is a loss of focus. Sometimes the students needs to have a reflective conversation and review of their goals, in order to get them back on the "right track".
Tremayne Simpson
Richard,
Asking the students "why they are here?", is a great question to ask when their is a perception that there is a loss of focus. Sometimes the students needs to have a reflective conversation and review of their goals, in order to get them back on the "right track".
Tremayne Simpson
It helps to ask the students why are they here? They are here to learn, they want to be here.
Alexadner,
I agree. In addition, it is important to discuss the "roadmap" theory with your students, when explaining the syllabus. The students should understand how the learning objectives are related and how they are expected to advance through each objective, during the class.
Tremayne Simpson
Learning objectives are the BIG picure of what the class will cover. It is somewhat of a roadmap to get the student from Point A to Point B in the class. Class content does not always explaing the bigger picture, where as the Learning objectives offer a Macro view of the class. Its always easier to look into a class from the outside and that is what the learning objectives provide
Dan,
Periodic reminders serve their purpose, when working with students. From time-to-time, I find that students need to "retrace their steps" and remember why they are seeking a particular career, degree or course of study, it definitely impacts their motivation.
Tremayne Simpson
You make an excellent point. Referring back to the learning objectives while they are doing activities can help to remind students why they are doing the activity. Great suggestion! I will incorporate this more into my classes.
