It is important to have clear goals and objectives for your course because it gives the students insight on the class material that will be covered, what is expected of them as students as well as what knowledge should be gained upon completion of the course. In my opinion clear goals and objectives are a student's guide throughout the course, as far as what will be covered, what is expected of them, and typically just what the course consist of. It is important that the students have a clear undestanding of the course in its entirety and what is expected of them as students.
I think that is has much to do with management of expectations. Students select courses to acquire knowledge and the goals and objectives for a course are a contract between the student and the instructor of what will be covered, how it will be achieved and how it will be measured. If either party does not stick to the agreement, there is a need for a discussion. Often students will not meet the objectives and occassionally, an instructor will cut corners and not cover all of the material and the students get less than agreed to.
It keeps everyone informed.
Doug
Clear goals and objectives prepares the student of what they will be learning throughout the class and assist them in preparing questions for unanswered questions.
There is an old saying that "If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there." Goals and objectives give the students, as well as the instructor, the "route" that must be followed to attain the knowledge and/or skills the students need. Clearly stated goals and objectives leave less room for error as the course progresses.
Hi Tim,
Right on with your approach to sharing clear goals and objectives. This lays it out for the students so they can concentrate on meeting the course requirements without spending a lot of time trying to understand what the teacher wants.
Gary
This focuses the learning and makes it relevant. This is very important for career college, our students come to us with goals of their own, they are goal driven people.
Much of the information we give them is all new, it can be overwhelming for them. Making the goals and objectives clear will help them stay connected to the material throughout the course.
Clear goals and objectives allow students to see what they will be learning. It also will allow them to look back on the class and see how much they learned from the class. Goals and objectives are a very important part of teaching.
Clear goals will set the expectation for both the student and the instructor. Neither can wonder what will be happening next, rather both will support each other in accomplishing the goal as stated.
Clear goals and objectives are a must for a successful class; they focus on what's ahead for the class. They leave no doubt as to what the student must accomplish, how they will accomplish it, what the end result should be, and how those end results will be assessed.
Without the clear focus provided by goals/objectives, a class may flounder into a "foggy" mess.
Hi Jennine,
Good strategy. Keep reminding them that they are creating a future for themselves by taking the courses they are. Sometimes with the pressure of being students they forget what their ultimate goal really is.
Gary
The goals should be measurable during teaching a course to adult learners.
It is important to have clear goals and objectives because its gives direction to the class regarding what they will be learning on a daily basis.
At the start of every class, I re-emphasize to students WHY they are in school, WHAT the specific goals of my class are, and HOW they are going to succeed in my class. I find that the more we emphasize how courses will aid in the students MAIN goal-- of Graduating and getting a good job-- the more inclined they are to follow the rules.
Clear goals sets the expectations for a desired outcome. Important in this process is for them to list the steps in achieving the goals that are set - not just those that the Faculty sets forth for each student's circumstance is different. for each of them to do their personal best, what do they each need to be sure that they are in compliance with studies, attendance, etc.
Hi James,
It certainly will. This is so important for both you the instructor and the students. This gets both parties off on the right step in the course. Think how you felt when you had an instructor that gave you clear goals and objectives when you left class for the first time. Use that same model for your own class.
Gary
It will give the student and the teacher the outcome and objective of the material they will be studying, Also it has the connection to the end result of his/her efforts.
Clear goals give the students something to strive for which is espcially important in the more "strenuous" courses. It provides a sense of hope for them. These goals and objectives also allow for the instructor to show the students not only what is expected of them, but also what the students expect from you as their instructor.
It is important to have clear goals and objectives so your students know what they are going to learn, where they are going, how they are going to get there, and what is expected of them.
Hi Wendy,
I agree with you about the need for clear goals and objectives. They have to be a part of the planning and sharing process. Without them there is no direction nor engagement because no body including the instructor knows what is going on.
Gary
Goals are terricfic for setting a course of action; objectives are measurable and will crystalize the learning process. the objectives must be specific with a measurable outcome as well as a time frame in which to complete it.
