I like to push my stents to not only reach goals in my class but develop goals for the future. I gave a lecture on just where the industry can take you and challenged them to dare to dream. To let that dream fuel their success in the class and the industry.
Clear goals and objectives give the student a sense of direction, an a outline to study for test. It also demonstrates that the instructor has knowledge in the course content.
Anthony,
What are the ways you share the course goals and objectives with your students?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree goal and objectives keep everyone on track!
Erica,
This is a key point if everyone in the class is going to move in the same direction. Visiting these goals and objectives on a regular basis helps the students to keep a vision in their minds of where they and the class is headed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it is important to have clear goals and objectives for many reasons. Students must know what the goals and objectives are so they can know what they will be learning in the class. Also it helps them adhere to classroom policies, attendance requirements and other expectations of the class. Also, clear goals and objectives allow the instructor to create an appropriate classroom learning environment for each course.
Wendy,
Like the way you describe how instructors need to plan and then approach student centered learning. It is for sure there will be the need for adjustments throughout the presentation of the content. This is where it pays to have a backup plan along with being creative so you can keep the course moving forward.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having clear goals and objectives gives the instructor a clear path to follow. We must start at point A and make it to point B. Flexibility is important so that if the path has a fork in it or if the bridge is washed out, the instructor can still bring all the students to point B. Having a back up plan or at least the ability to work with or around a distraction is important.
Leslie,
Can you be more specific in terms of how you do this?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
These are what helps keep me organized.
Everyday I write the objectives for the day on the board so when my students arrive they can prepare for the material to be covered that day. I find that this process helps them to stay on task. I also hand out a schedule of the material to be covered each day and when the exams over that material will be. The majority of my students tend to work ahead of the lecture. I like this because it helps them to participate in the class discussion more often.
If the instructor does not have a guide or map to stay on track we can wander far from our goal while still giving the students relevant information but not what applies to the course you are teaching.
Gerald,
Clear and concise goals and objectives are a must because without them you have a lack of shared vision and direction by the students as well as the instructor. This keeps everyone forward focused throughout the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sarah,
Having an understanding in terms of the course goals and objectives is a must. This is how respect is earned and rapport is developed. Your comments show the outcomes of the having such an approach. A win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with you idea. I think clear objectives is where the rubber meets the road and you move in a certain direction. Without them I think there's still posibility to move just not with the same level of focus in a given direction. I think there's a greater chance to have attention lose, and huge decrease in active learning.
It's very important that both the instructor and students are on the same page. This can be achieved by clearly explaining goals and learning objectives for the students at the beginning of the course. I believe this also helps motivate students to see the practical application of the material they're learning. When students understand how the material can be implemented in their chosen field, they are more likely to be enthusiastic about it.
Gustavo,
Thank you for these comments on goals and objectives because they outline the value of having clearity in both goals and objectives. This keeps the students informed about where the course is going and what they need to accomplish before the end of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Course goals and objectives serve four basic functions: (a) they provide guidance and direction for both facilitator and students’ (b) facilitate planning and course management; (c) motivate and inspire students, to give the class a clear and achievable road map; (e ) and help facilitator evaluate and control performance of the classroom.
Regards.
I think it's imperative to have clear goal and objectives, as you don't want to get off track and waste instructional time on topics that aren't part of your objectives. Not only wastes time needed for other topics, it confuses the students about what is important.
LaNeisha,
This sets the stage for a successful course due to the clear goals and objectives as well as the measurements that are taken in terms of accomplishing the goals of the course. This keeps everyone on the same page as the course progresses.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
