Clear structure helps the student to proceed through the course with confidence, marking their progress and creating momentum to succeed.
Shivani,
How do you share your vision with your students? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
To have clear vision of the course direction and learning outcomes for students
Setting clear goals and objectives allows students to understand the direction for the course. If the students do not know where they are going, they will not be able to achieve anything in the course.
I couldn't agree more! Nothing more frustrating when you are a student and you have no idea where the instructor/course is going.
This so important to see the tone on the first day of class. To set expectations on the first day so the students can't say later that they didnt' know what was expected. It is important to put the objectives on the board daily so the students know what to expect each day for class.
I believe it is important to establish clear goals and objectives for the course that give the students confidence, as well as a comfort level that tells them there will be no surprises and all of them can do well if they apply themselves to reaching the stated objectives through obtaining each specific goal. Similar to climbing a ladder, the objective is to reach the top, but each step must be taken one at a time in order to do so.
Students need to be able to see what is going to be accomplished in a course which is what goals provide for them. Objectives give a student a clearly defined standard to meet and know whether they sufficiently understand the material that has been presented to the level at which they should understand it.
Ken,
I like your example about the train and the need for goals and objectives that are clear and easily understood. If they are understood then everyone can see what the end result will be when the class is completed.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Pamela,
I like the way you explain goals and objectives. I wish you and your students many happy and rewarding "bus rides".
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Hetty,
Well said. They are the road map and/or GPS for the course. They keep the student moving forward with everyone knowing what the expectations are.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Why develope clear goals and objectives? Well if you don't and have a class of twenty students, then that classroom will need twenty instructors. Teaching to a group, the instructor will need to bring all the student's minds focused on the same final outcome. Much the same as a mile long freight train of students on one set of tracks, then the instructor (engine) will be able to reach the correct destination (goal/objectives)together. The students need to know where the daily lessons are takeing them too.
Well, if I consider myself the "bus driver", and my students are my "passengers", how can I possibly expect to get where I'm going without a comprehensive map and plan? This way I'm in control, and my students can make the most of the "ride".
Goals and objectives help the teacher stay on track and provide a logical plan for students to tack on to for maximum absorption. Goals express what is to be learned and objectives tell how that learning will take place.
With this knowledge, students know what they are getting into from the moment they begin and they can monitor their own progress and that of the class content based on stated expectations.
Within any instructional format the accomplishment is to disseminate information that you, the instructor, are well knowledgeable. It is necessary as well to do so with a high level of clarity. To ensure that this dissemination occurs at best, goals and objectives are necessary.
Determined goals will notify the students of the concepts for which they will be expected to attain a certain level of knowledge, and also provides a depth and range by which these ideals are encompassed. Following to this exposure, objectives provide a level of specificity by which the student may track reasoning for information exposure, and what they should understand after instruction. In this way, they may keep track of their comprehensive ability throughout instruction, and as well know how any specific objective supports the larger goals within the course.
Brent,
Right you are. Goals and objectives should not be mysteries for students. Be clear and concise with them so everyone is on the same page.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Kevin,
Well said and so critical to learning success. Everyone needs to know what the goal is and how to work toward it.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Clear goals and objectives are essential for a course so that students are clear as to the expectations. Clear goals also provide an opportunity for students to organize their time and prepare effectively.
Within any instructional format the accomplishment is to disseminate information that you, the instructor, is well knowledgeable. It is necessary as well to do so with a high level of clarity. To ensure that this dissemination occurs at best, goals and objectives are necessary.
Determined goals will notify the students of the concepts for which they will be expected to attain a certain level of knowledge, and also provides a depth and range by which these ideals are encompassed. Following to this exposure, objectives provide a level of specificity by which the student may track reasoning for information exposure, and what they should understand after instruction. In this way, they may keep track of their comprehensive ability throughout instruction, and as well know how any specific objective supports the larger goals within the course.
It's very important to have goals and objectives to let the students know upfront what is expected of them. I like to hand out a grade rubic, so the students know down to the point of how they will be graded
