Gyula,
Without clear goals and objectives the course can go off in many different directions which means that the students won't receive the education they need.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having goals, objectives and even calendars inform the students what will be covered and taught throughout the period. For me, it allows me to prepare in advance and if we get ahead of schedule, material to continue teaching instead of wondering what I should do next.
It helps me as an instructor to be clear with the students on what I expect of them .
Rico,
This approach is so important because you are letting them know what the expectations are and how they can meet those expectations if they will put forth the effort. This reduces their frustrations and questions about what they need to do in the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it is important to have clear goals and objectives because it gives the students and teachers a clear understanding of what is expected from both parties.
After talking with my students, I also like to leave room to adjust the goals and objectives in case I need to add or alter something to address a need or skill that they want to learn.
Betty,
What are some ways you have had success in doing this?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To show students what is important and focus on achieving that goal
Holli,
Without them students will be confused and frustrated. They need clear and concise goals and objectives to follow so they can stay focused on the content being shared and what the expectations of the course are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Clear goals and objectives help the instructor stay focused on delivery of full course content, and also allows students to know in advance what will be covered in the course.
Peter,
Without clear goals and objectives the course is going to go off the tracks and a wreck will occur in terms of student satisfaction and outcomes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Clear goals and objectives not only tell the student what the expectations of the course are but it helps to guide the instructor and keep him on track.
Chad,
Well said and such an important part of the instructional planning process. Without clear goals and objectives there is no direction toward which the students will move.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Clear goals and objectives are important for both teacher and student.
They help focus the teacher as to what is really important for the students to learn. They focus the content that will be included on assignments and assessments.
They focus the students' attention on where they should focus their energy when taking notes and studying. Clear goals and objectives put students' minds at ease because they know what they will be tested on.
Overall, clear goals and objectives make the course focused and efficient.
Glenn,
Right you are about the important of having a comprehensive plan set for your course. You have hit upon all of the key components of instructional planning and delivery. This way your students will know what the expectations are and when they have met them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important to have clear goals and objectives for your course to clearly define what students will achieve by the end of the course and help outline how students will get there. Expanding upon this idea, the objectives are important because everything else that occurs in the course will be derived from the objectives. This includes any teaching strategies / activities, assignments, and assessments. Ensuring that you produce specific and measurable objectives following the ABCD method is key, as well as, making sure they are student-centered objectives. The effort in creating learning objectives may not be visible in the beginning; however, constantly communicating them to students will help their ability to meet the objectives.
Katina,
Thank you for making this important point. We educators need to be clear and concise in communicating our expectations. By doing so we will set the students at ease in relation to understanding what is going to occur in the class and what the workload is going to be for student success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One of the most important goals teachers should have in their classroom is making sure our students have a clear picture of what is expected of them in our classroom. I have struggled for many years as a teacher making sure my students are set up for success by understanding what was expected of them from me as their instructor. I feel that I am in a place in my teaching where I am intentional in communicating exactly what I want my students to understand about the course or an assignment. Developing clear goals gives my students success that they can take beyond my classroom setting.
Donald,
I think this is important part of instructional planning. By adjusting your lesson plans to meet the current group of students you are customizing your delivery to make sure you are engaging your students in a way that maintains their interest and helps them move toward their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Within the course goals and objectives, when a new semester starts, should lesson plans be adjusted to reflect the news classes background.
Jayne,
Good way to maintain consistency in the delivery of your content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
