I think that having clear goals and objectives is essential to the success of the students. However the goals and objectives are also geat tool for the instructor its a benchmark to ensure that you are teaching students the material required and also provides away to evaluate if the students have a clear understanfing of the material.
Erwin,
Most definitely use your real world experiences to reinforce the textbook content and your lectures. The stories you share will increase the value of the information and show relevancy to what is being taught. The more connection you can make between the course content and the real world the better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Mary,
By having clear goals and objectives both you and your students are starting the course off on the same page. Everyone knows what the expectations are and can work together to achieve those goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to use the textbook and syllabus given by the program I am working for currently. But, is it ok that I use my real world experience and really elaborate on that as a teaching resource for students? I feel like the students will get more from that teaching method than just a straight delivery from the required textbook. I would like your opinion on the subject. Please advise.
Clear goals and objectives will eliminate the "fear of the unknown" and help your students understand exactly what is expected of them; consequently, they will feel more confident and secure.
Chris,
Clear understanding of the course goals and objectives is essential for students. By having this understanding they know what they need to do in order to be successful in the course. Everyone then is on the same page as the course moves forward and knowledge is shared.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
So students have a clear understanding of what they will learn from the class. Students will be more excited about a class if they have a clear goal to work towards
Justin,
You might want to take your goals and objectives to your Program Advisory Committee and have them review them to see if they are consistent with industry standards. Once you get their approval you can ask them for recommendations on how to set, reach and measure the goals and objectives of your program. Their input will be very helpful in forming a scaffold of learning that gives you measureable points within your goals and objectives.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Setting clear goals and objectives allows students to accurately understand what is being taught and what they should be learning, and it allows the instructor to objectively/accurately measure the learning that has taken place.
During my first year of teaching, I sometimes struggled to set clearly measurable objectives as learning objectives progress up Bloom's Taxonomy. Any suggestions for this?
Susan,
Yes, they do because everyone is on the same page this way and know where they are heading. Reduces anxiety on the part of the students and reinforces that they are on target with their learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Clear goals and objectives help to keep the students on track throughout the course. They also help when you are advising the students.
Susan
Arthur,
Goals and objectives are the indicators of direction that the course is going to go. They also peak interest since they cover the competencies that will be achieved by course end.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students gain an immediate understanding of what is expected and won't be surprised later in the course with unexpected objectives.
Francis,
This sounds like a good plan to follow as it informs the learners what is going to occur and where the class is going that day. This is a sound educational practice to follow at any level.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Along with teaching at a career school, I also substitute in middle and high schools. Many of the schools have adopted a system where the objectives of the lesson are posted each day. There may be a general objective for the section and a daily objective. In some schools, the students are expected to copy these in their notes as soon as they enter the room. The general idea is that it informs them of what is on tap and gives them in insight into what they will do that day.
From a teacher's point of view, this does require the instructor to consider each lesson, what they want to accomplish and how it fits into the course as a whole.
Carole,
Without them the students do not know where the course is going. They need to be clear and concise so everyone is on the same page in terms of course outcomes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Goals and objectives lay out a clear plan of what will be accomplished and how it will be accomplished, giving students a structured environment in which to learn.
Julie,
A great message to send your students. I know these instructional efforts are going to pay off for you and your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I plan to develop clearer goals for myself, as well as my students for the next 6 week term, aside from those given on the syllabus. This will let the students know that this is not just a job for me, but something I have clearly given thought to and spent time developing, thus showing a genuine concern.
Tommy,
Without clear goals and objectives it is impossible to be the learning leader of the class. The students need to see and understand where the class is going and what the outcomes are. Your comments are right on in terms of the value of have clear goals and objectives.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
