Clear goals and objectives are great roadmaps for students and the instructor. We have standardized, predetermined course objectives. I find it helpful to not only plan from the beginning around these, but to keep going back to these to make sure I am planning to meet the objectives. Also, I find it helpful to keep students on track by reminding them of what the course objectives are.
It seems, too, that when I even share the objectives a single lesson plan with students I get their attention pretty well.
As a psychologist well-versed in working with people with ADHD, I have found that clear goals and objectives often help people focus and sustain attention during class. By stating the purpose of the lecture beforehand, the instructor is able to set the stage for not only that particular course but also material that they need to know for the entire term.
Without clear goals and objectives, I would be wandering blindly in the landscape of my course. My students would also blindly follow me.
I agree. I think students are more interested if they know what they are expected of. They want to have a clear goals and objectives.
Developing clear goals and objectives help both teacher and students identify the "MUST" of the lessons or topics. By doing so it will also help in facilitating the evaluation process.
Giving clear goals and objectives gives the student what is expected of them up front and allows them to track their progress in the class. Students can look and see if they are understanding the goals and objectives. The students that are slower or in need could at a point realize where they need help.
Students like to know what they should be able to understand or do after a class. Course goals and objectives give them a firm sense of accomplishing something during class time because they can actually go back to the goals and objectives and tell themselves, "Yes, I understand this concept," or "Yes, I can perform this task." If the instructor's goals and objectives are clear, students have a way to see their own progress clearly.
This provides the student with not only what you expect of them but what is required to excell in the course.
Having clear goals and objectives,makes for better lesson plans,allows more positive energy in the class room.
It is important to have clear goals and objectives in order to teach the class. Goals give the students guidelines as to where they are going in the class and the objectives outlines how they will accomplish those goals. When the goals and objectives are clear, defined and presented in a confident manner it gives the student a better sense that they will be sucessful in the class.
This allows the student to prepare and to be aware of what will be discussed and what will be expected of them. It also helps for the goals and objectives to be measurable.
Hi Yan,
I do this as well for the same reasons you outlined. The students need to know from day one what the expectations, policies and requirements are for the course. This way everyone starts the class with a clear understanding of what is to come.
Gary
I think (and it's exactly what I normally do) in addition to show what they will be learning during the term in the given class, I AlWAYS detail all the Policies and Procedure of the College as well as the Code of Academic Integrity, which I tell them should be followed to the letter.
This is a great opportunity for newer teachers to gain confidence--defining clear goals and objectives is a winning situation for both the student and the staff. I want my students to know what I expect from them and what skills they will be expected to accomplish at the end of the term.
I think we are very lucky to have resources to turn to when creating these documents. I want to be able to provide the students with a list of expectations of skills and information they need to know before moving on from my course. This can only be a positive aspect to their educational goals.
Hi Julia,
You make a good point about helping students to be successful. Through understanding and support we instructors can help them see that success can be theirs if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Many of my Students live stressfull lives, I know because they share many of their problems with me. Developing clear goa[s and objectives allow the Students a chance yo see that they can complete the course. They need to be able to see that the end is close and obtainable.
Julia
Clear goals and objective allow students to see a clearly defined path for their development. In addition, it allows students to look ahead and/or clears any confusion about the path of the course
Having clear goals and objectives helps both the instructor and the students stay on track. It gives both an outline as to what will be taught, what can be expected to be learned and the amount of time and energy that will need to be put into the course, to succeed. It also gives both an opportunity to look ahead and prepare for upcoming weeks based on others schedules that need to be adapted to. Good planning, goals and objectives allows for less stress and more control over your environment.
It is important to have clear goals and objectives for the course so that students know what to expect. By writting out these goals and objective it gives the students a chance to see what they will be learning and what skills they will be able to put to use in a job setting.
It is very important to have clear goals and learning objectives for the lesson. It helps to instructor to stay focused on important parts of the lesson and helps to students to self-check themselves later on - if they are on the top of the things.
